England offers some guidance
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Many parents, caregivers and professionals working with children will already be aware of the important role that physical activity plays in a child's development. However, they may be unaware of the amount of physical activity that is recommended for them.
The national guidelines for physical activity were published by the Department of Health in 2011 in the Start Active, Stay Active report. In it, the four chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland drew on global evidence and recommended the following for under-fives:
1. Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floor-based play and water-based activities in safe environments.
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