Helping under-5s live active and healthy lives

Practical ideas for physical activities to help with babies and young children's physical development

Age groups

Babies

This section provides activities to develop core skills among babies aged 0-18 months along with information on the skills we would expect to see emerging at this age.

Toddlers

Activities in the Toddler section are suitable for children aged 18 – 36 months. Some children might be ready to move to the preschool section sooner or later, dependent on their level of development.

Preschoolers

Activities within the Preschool section are typically suitable for children aged 3 years – reception age, although skills and activities in the younger age groups may still need to be reinforced.

About physical development

Physical development (PD) is the growth and development of both the brain and body in infancy and early childhood. This website has been designed alongside early years practitioners to help you understand and feel confident in providing physical development opportunities to children in your setting or at home.