Canada’s youngest generation is off to a good start for being physically active, but there’s also room to grow, according to a first-ever national assessment focused on children under age 5, led by a University of Alberta researcher.ParticipACTION’s 2026 Report Card on Physical Activity for the Early Years shows that 67% of children met the physical activity recommendation and 80% met the sleep recommendation outlined in the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (Ages 0–4). But at the same time, fewer than half—48%—met screen time limits, and just 25% met all three age-specific physical activity, sleep and screen time recommendations.
The guidelines recommend 12 to 17 hours of sleep, including naps, for babies less than 1 year old, 11 to 14 hours for toddlers ages 1 to 2, and 10 to 13 hours for preschoolers ages 3 to 4.
Babies should get at least 30 minutes of tummy time, and toddlers and preschoolers a minimum of 180 minutes of physical activity throughout the day, including at least an hour of energetic play for the older group. No more than one hour of sedentary screen time is advised for those ages 2 to 4, and none at all is recommended for children under 2.
