Message to sports parents, unbuckle the high chair

A new slant on the sports training for really young kids debate.

British medical experts conclude that children under five years old need three hours each day when they're not strapped or buckled down. That is, time free of car seats, high chairs, jammy jump-ups and so on.

From the BBC:

"Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, said all young children should be encouraged to be active.

"For children that are not yet walking, there is considerable international evidence that letting children crawl, play or roll around on the floor is essential during early years.

"Play that allows under-fives to move about is critical and three hours a day is essential."

Essentially, the message is that kids need to move to be happy and healthy, that kids who are restrained in various baby contraptions are more likely to be the adults who become immovable objects on the living room couch.

I see nothing in the BBC report to challenge earlier assertions in this space that structured exercise programs for babies and toddler are unnecessary. Or a waste of time and money. Just let your kid climb down from the high chair. And let her do what kids do.

Thank you, Paula Fernandes.