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Moving and being active

Moving and being active is vital in keeping your child happy and healthy. Physical activity should be fun and include a range of different activities.

A young girl and two toddlers walking through the woods on a cold day wearing welly boots, coats and hats. Baby crawling on floor in a living room A mum holding her baby in a swimming pool, teaching them how to swim. Four children pulling a rope in a game of tug of war whilst laughing and smiling outside in a park. Young boy wearing a karategi demonstrating a karate move

If your child has additional needs visit our specific section for more support

General physical activity information for all age groups

Exercise during pregnancy and after birth

Gentle exercise whilst pregnant can be good for you and your baby, and can help you cope with labour. You can keep up with your normal physical activities for as long as you feel comfortable. Read more about exercise in pregnancy.

Exercising after childbirth can also help your body physically and mentally. If your birth was straightforward, you should be able to do gentle stretches and walking once you feel up to it. You should receive a postnatal check around 6 to 8 weeks after birth. It’s best to wait until after this before engaging in any high intensity activities. Talk to your midwife if you had complications with the birth as your recovery time may be longer. Read more about keeping fit and healthy with a baby.

Read more about pregnancy:

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust

The Rosie Hospital

Other moving and being active pages

Happy Indian Muslim Family with little Daughter at Home
  • 0-1 Years
  • 1-5 Years

General early years movement skills and development

The early development skills like sitting, crawling, standing and walking are also known as gross motor skills. Gross motor skills use the big muscles in the arms, legs and torso.

Read more
Four children pulling a rope in a game of tug of war whilst laughing and smiling outside in a park.
  • 0-1 Years
  • 1-5 Years
  • 5-11 Years
  • 11-19 Years
  • SEND

Keeping babies, children and teenagers active

Just like food and water, being active is one of the most important things for healthy growth and development in babies, toddlers, children and teenagers. It helps to build strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight and boost their confidence. 

Read more
Young boy sitting on a low wall at a park
  • SEND

Moving and being active for additional needs

On this page you will find resources and support about sleep for children with additional needs.

Read more
Information

Who can help

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's health, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support.

You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation.

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).

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