Your toddler's health

Advice about dental health, sleep, healthy eating and staying active.

Keep your toddler active

Toddlers should be physically active every day for at least 180 minutes (3 hours). The more, the better. This should be spread throughout the day, including playing outdoors.

  • Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years)

    Read the NHS advice for keeping your toddler physically active.

  • Fun fitness ideas for children

    Try out some of the fitness activities from the Early Years Alliance website.

Healthy eating

  • The Community Dental Service has made a video that explains the NHS Health Start scheme. This scheme helps parents from low-income families buy milk and food. 

  • Recipes and meal ideas

    You'll find loads of great healthy meal ideas on the Start for Life website. Choose by age group and meal type, and then follow the recipe guides.

  • Healthy family recipes

    Planning and cooking healthy family meals can seem like a big task. But with the simple recipes on the Henry website, you'll find it much easier to prepare quick, balanced meals.

  • Healthy diet and nutrition

    The Health Visiting Service website links to information about providing a healthy diet for your toddler.

Dental health

Illness

  • Minor illness and knowing if it is serious

    The Health Visiting Service website links to information about common and more serious illnesses in children aged 1 to 2 years.

  • Minor illness and reducing accidents

    On the Institute of Health Visiting website, you will find tips on a wide range of minor illness topics and tips for reducing accidents and promoting safety in various instances.

Safety and preventing accidents

Sleep

  • Sleep and routines

    The Health Visiting Service website links to information about helping your toddler to sleep.

  • Sleep problems in young children

    Lots of young children find it difficult to settle down to sleep and will wake up during the night. Find out what you can do if it becomes a problem on the NHS website.

toddlers feet
Baby to toddler
wooden dinosaur toys
Baby to preschool