Could screen time increase the chances of my toddler becoming overweight?
Did you know? Young children risk missing out on important outdoor play and activity when their time is spent watching television and in front of screens.
Research has consistently shown a link between activity and healthy weight. Some children who spend a lot of time in front of screens could be less likely to get the recommended amount of activity or outdoor playtime for their age. While it often seems as though toddlers have endless energy and are active all the time, that may not always be true. A recent study measuring the activity of two-year-olds found that the toddlers were inactive most of the time.
Parents’ screen time
Reducing screen time is not just something that applies to children. Research has found that parental encouragement and support is crucial in increasing children’s activity levels, and that the less parents use screens, the less their children will too. So always try to set a good example and minimize the amount of time you spend looking at a screen when your toddler is around. Avoid having screens on even in the background as they can be a distraction.
There’s little doubt that being physically active as a toddler is important for their future health. Now that your toddler is becoming more independent and is capable of more advanced movements, it is a great time to play outdoors together regularly, if you can. They will learn that being active is fun, and will look forward to playtime now and as they grow.
Activity guidelines
For toddlers one to two years of age, guidelines recommend at least one to three hours of activity per day. Playtime should include structured as well as unstructured, or free, play. Structured play is when you are directing the play and your toddler is encouraged to follow simple rules; unstructured play is when your toddler is free to be active in whatever ways they choose. Make time for activity with your toddler throughout the day. It does not need to occur all at one time. Your toddler should only be inactive for more than one hour at a time when they’re asleep.
Sources
Downing KL, Hnatiuk J, Hesketh HD. Prevalence of sedentary behavior in children under 2 years: A systematic review. Prev Med 2015; 78:105–14.
Kuzik N, Carson V. The association between physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and body mass index z-scores in different settings among toddlers and preschoolers. BMC Pediatr 2016; 16: doi 10.1186/s12887-016-0642-6.
Wijtzes AI, Kooijman MN, Kiefte-de Jong JC, et al. Correlates of physical activity in 2-year-old toddlers: The Generation R Study. J Pediatr 2013; 163(3):791-9.
Xu H, Wen LM, Rissel C. Associations of maternal influences with outdoor play and screen time of two-year-olds: Findings from the Healthy Beginnings Trial. J Paediatr Child Health 2014; 50:680-6.
Xu H, Wen LM, Rissel C. Associations of parental influences with physical activity and screen time among young children: a systematic review. J Obes 2015; 2015:546925
Related articles
Exercise with toddlers: Clever mom hacks for hectic lives
Some days, the last thing you probably feel like doing is exercise—particularly if you’ve had a sleepless night. But keeping active can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
2 mins to read
When will my Toddler Stop being a Picky Eater?
Does your little one want plain pasta for dinner every night? Or refuse to eat anything green? Here are some ways to make sure your fussy eater is getting enough variety in their diet.
1 min to read
Newborn Sleep Development - What you need to know
You’re half-awake at 4 am with a wide-awake baby in your arms and wondering if you’ll ever get a full night’s sleep again. Don’t worry, you will.
6 mins to read
Your 12-18-month-old’s activity planner
From crawling to standing and taking their first steps, your baby is now moving quickly into toddlerhood and becoming more active and mobile all the time.
4 mins to read
Hunger signs in newborn| Your toddler’s hunger & fullness cues
Got a hungry toddler? Here are some hunger and fullness cues to watch out for during your toddler's development.
2 mins to read
10 steps to successful family mealtimes
Mealtimes are a great opportunity for the family to come together to share food and enjoy each other’s company.
3 mins to read
Did you know?
Many children are afraid to try new foods, preferring to eat foods they are used to!
1 min to read
Lunch ideas for babies
It’s difficult to find well-balanced meal ideas every day for your toddler.
1 min to read
How sleep can affect your toddler’s health
Did you know? Not getting enough sleep may lead to your toddler consuming extra calories.
2 mins to read
Your growing toddler – What to expect beyond 1000 days
Look back at the healthy habits you’ve encouraged, which have helped your toddler grow so far, and look forward to the exciting developments to come.
2 mins to read
What should my 12-24 Month Old Toddler be Eating?
As you probably already know, toddlers are incredibly active and energetic! For their body size, toddlers need to make every bite count with nutritious meals and snacks.
4 mins to read
Leaving babyhood behind
His ability to grasp now means your child will be easily picking up his food with two to three fingers instead of his entire hand.
3 mins to read
Your toddler’s developing feeding skills
Your toddler has come a long way since that first spoonful of puree went in (and probably came straight back out again!).
8 mins to read
Potty training : When to start
No matter how eager you may be there is no "right" age to start potty training your little one.
4 mins to read
10 healthy habits to carry on
During your baby’s First 1000 Days you have encouraged many healthy habits, so don't let your guard down now! Here are 10 healthy habits to keep practicing.
7 mins to read
Did you know?
Healthy eating habits are set early in life
1 min to read
Did you know?
Good role models at family meals help your developing independent eater
1 min to read
Family mealtimes matter
Did you know? Being a good role model is the most effective way to get your toddler to try new food.
3 mins to read
Toddler meals ideas | Nutrition and Feeding for Your Growing Toddler
By one year of age, your little one should be eating a variety of foods from the four food groups in Canada's Food Guide. He’s likely discovering new tastes, textures and skills.
9 mins to read
