Study: Babies need exercise, too

LONDON -- Preschoolers, even babies, need daily exercise, the British government says in its first-ever exercise advice for its youngest citizens.

In a new campaign against obesity, Britain issued guidelines yesterday saying children under the age of 5 -- including babies who can't even walk yet -- should exercise every day.

The new guidance from the British health department said kids under 5 who can walk should be physically active for at least three hours a day. Parents should reduce the amount of time such kids spend being sedentary while watching television or being strapped in a stroller, officials said.

Pudgy toddlers are also a big concern in the United States, where the Institute of Medicine issued diet and activity recommendations for youngsters last month.

It said preschool-aged kids should get at least 15 minutes of exercise for every hour they spend in child care and suggested the federal government create dietary guidelines for babies from the time they're born until they are 2 years old.

Like the British, American experts say parents should limit the amount of time babies spend in swings, bouncy seats or other equipment while they're awake.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises children and teenagers to get about one hour or more of physical activity every day. -- AP