5th June 2022
Regular engagement in physical activity has been associated with a number of positive physical and psychological health outcomes in early childhood. This includes decreased body mass index and fatness, lower cardiovascular risk factors, improved bone development, and improved cognitive, social & emotional development. However current preschool-aged children do not meet the international physical activity recommendation, which includes 180 minutes of light, moderate and vigorous physical activity per day (Hnatiuk, Salmon, Campbell, Ridgers & Hesketh, 2013).
How physically active children should be?
Babies under 1 year of age-
- Physical activity- should be active several times a day in variety of ways. For those who are not yet mobile, it includes at least 30 mins of tummy time, spread throughout the day.
- Sedentary behaviour- should not be restrained (e.g. strollers, car seats, high chairs) for more than 1 hour at a time screen time is not recommended.
- Sleep- 14 to 17 hours of sleep (0 to 3 months), 12 to 16 hours of sleep (4 to 11 months) of good quality sleeps including naps.
Toddlers (1 to 2 years)-
- Physical activity- at least 180 mins spend on variety of physical activities throughout the day.
- Sedentary behaviour- not being restrained (strollers, car seats, high chairs) for more than 1 hour at a time. For those younger than 2 screen time should not be more than 1 hour.
- Sleep- 11 to 14 hours of good quality sleep including naps.
Pre-schooler (3 to 5 years)-
- Physical activity- at least 60 mins of moderate to intense physical activity per day.
- Sedentary behaviour- Limit sedentary recreational screen time to no more than 2 hours per day break up long periods of sitting as often as possible.
Sleep- 10 to 13 hours of good quality sleep which might include a nap (“Benefits of physical activity | Health”, 2022)
After carefully considering these requirements, we decided to introduce 3 in 1 scooter in the market. There are many scooters sold in Australia but very few have multiple usage. These 3-wheel scooters for kids are the perfect toddler scooter for your little one! Children love learning new things and adventuring, and this easy-to-cruise kids scooter allows them to do just that – safely! It has 3 modes to switch easily – Quick conversion with one button.
Features:
- Baby stroller, sliding balance car & scooter designed for 1 to 14 years old.
- 3 modes to switch easily- quick conversion with one button.
- Helps kids to improve cardiopulmonary function, exercise lower limb muscle strength and enhance overall endurance.
- Thickened wear resistant PU wheels designed for shock absorption.
- Smart gravity steering system secures safety even when sharp turning.
- Extra wide deck makes riding very stable.
- Colourful LED wheels lightup in a variety of flashing colours, adding fun & cool to ride.
Expert tips to keep your child physically active.
- Be a role model- kids tend to mimic and watch your habits, good or bad. If your kids see you being physically active & having fun they are more likely to be active & stay active throughout their lives.
- Use exercise as transportation- Walk kids to school they can use a scooter or bicycle.
- Involve the whole family- Invite everyone to participate in physical activity play games and Zumba etc.
- Focus on fun- kids love to have fun they are more likely to keep exercising if they are doing an activity which they like eg turn on music and have a dance party.
- Include kids in household activities- Rollerblades, bicycles, ice skates, scooters and even active play video games (Cordeiro, 2022)
References
Early childhood predictors Hnatiuk, J., Salmon, J., Campbell, K., Ridgers, N., & Hesketh, K. (2013). Early childhood predictors of toddlers’ physical activity: longitudinal findings from the Melbourne InFANT Program. International Journal Of Behavioral Nutrition And Physical Activity, 10(1), 123. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-10-123
Benefits of physical activity | Health. (2022). Retrieved 5 July 2022, from https://www.health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/healthy-living/kids-play-active-play/active-play/benefits-physical-activity
Cordeiro, B. (2022). 10 tips to get kids to exercise. Retrieved 5 July 2022, from https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/tips-to-get-kids-to-exercise.h17-1589046.html
