Even babies need a good workout

Parents, please note —— even babies need a good workout, at least three hours of exercise daily, according to a report aimed at stemming the rise of childhood obesity.

The British government report, said that babies should be active from birth. It said that they should be encouraged to crawl on “baby gym” mats, take swimming lessons and walk for at least 15 minutes a day.

Drawn up by the Chief Medical Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the guidelines come amid fears over growing childhood obesity and links between lack of activity and brain development.

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“For children that are not yet walking, there is considerable international evidence that letting children crawl, play or roll on the floor is essential during early years.

“This matters to your child now, to development through adolescence and to their disease profile in later life,” Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, was quoted by the Daily Express as saying.

Recent studies suggest only 30 per cent of children in England aged between two and 15 get the recommended amount of exercise.

Critics, however, say the report fails to recognise the difficulties some parents face.

Elaine Hindal of Children’s Society said: “Parents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, need access to good quality, low—cost play facilities, childcare and support from health visitors.”