Park the Pushchair and Get Walking
Most pushchairs do not come with an age limit or guidance about when they should be used until but as soon as your child is steady on their feet, they should be given the opportunity to walk whenever possible as walking will strengthen their muscles, develop their stamina and encourage movement, exploration and independence skills.
By the age of 3 children should have been transitioned out of pushchairs unless they have mobility needs. Government guidelines state that children under 5 need to be active for 180 minutes each day like 180 Katie. By the age of 3 that should be 120 minutes of moderate activity and 60 minutes of high intensity activity where the heart goes Boom Boom Boom. For more information on the difference between moderate and high intensity view our Startwell YouTube page for videos and our Startwell Website for activity ideas. Check out our Ditch the Buggy facebook video!
Walking with your young child does take more time and this needs to be planned into your day but the benefits of walking together include developing muscle control and strength, reduces the risk of flat head/spot syndrome and obesity, development of speech and independence skills, social interaction, improved wellbeing and happiness, engagement with nature using a range of senses and teaching children about road safety.
Physical activity can also have positive effects on behaviour and wellbeing in all children and research has shown positive impacts for children with Autism and other Special Educational Needs:
Wellbeing in nature – how being outside can help autistic people’s wellbeing
Active Azra says get those belly buttons moving and Move More and Sit Less and Suzy Startwell says walking with your child sets them a great example for health and fitness.
Top tips:
- Encourage short walks every day; walking to and from nursery if possible is a great way to start.
- Introduce walking intervals when using the buggy
- Making walking fun and interesting: for example, use Bingo cards to encourage children to search for items during the walk (e.g. pine cones, road signs, puddles, dogs, cats, red front doors, yellow flowers, green cars)
- Pick up litter along your route
- Walk together with friends
- Allow time – don’t rush your walks
- Think about using a buggy board to aid the transition
- Park further away from destinations so that you have to walk together to reach the destination
- Think about other ways to travel such as a scooter, balance bike, trikes etc
- Think about rewards for walking such as a trip to the park when they have completed 5 short walks or an activity of their choice.
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear so that walking in all weathers is comfortable and fun
