How much activity for an 18 month old?

[HariboFrenzy]

Just wondering how much physical activity your toddlers do daily? DS has just turned 18 months. Sleep has been a nightmare due to reflux, cmpa and egg allergy, but has been slowly improving over last few months. He now sleeps through at least once or twice a week. The latest issue has been not actually falling asleep until 9pm or later, even though he's clearly been tired from tea time. So yesterday, after his nap (12-2), I decided to make an effort to tire him out. We went to a big park where he walked around a large lake and had about 15 minutes playing on the park. Last night he was asleep by 7.30! Unfortunately not all night, but one wake up for calpol and a cuddle and then he went back off until 6.45! I realise it may have been a coincidence, but also wondering if he needs more activity than he's been getting...

[PragmaticWench]

I've always found children to be similar to dogs, they are happier and sleep better if they've been exercised! Each day I make sure both DC and our dog have a certain amount of time doing physical exercise; the dog gets run around the woods and the DC are taken to parks/play places and let loose.

They all sleep better for it.

[Nan0second]

Yep my 18 month old definitely responds better to a 'puppy management' style of parenting! She needs a lot of walking :)
She doesn't need as much sleep so also does better with a shorter nap than most (45mins). She's not grumpy with it so I know she's getting enough sleep but she isn't tired enough to go to sleep at 7.30 if she has longer than an hour.

[Sparrowlegs248]

Loads. He's 16 months and literally doesn't sit down. Except in the car or highchair.

[Cakescakescakes]

I agree with the dogs analogy above! I make sure my DC get exercise (outdoor if possible) every day. They eat better, sleep better, and their mood is better is they get the chance to burn off some steam. We have some nice local parks and a few national trust places within a few miles of the house so I bought a membership and get good use out of that. They also have nice cafes...so big run round for the kids and a coffee after for me :)

[Artandco]

I used to aim for 'two runs a day' like a Labrador.
Basically use pram or sling as little as possible and aim for them to be walking where possible

[Blackbird82]

I definitely agree with the dog analogy! My dogs are exercised twice a day and I try and get out twice a day with my son too, either park, soft play, out on trike, play in the garden. As much running around as possible and lots of fresh air. Yesterday we took him to the zoo and he charged around for two hours then slept over 12 hours last night.

[Scotinoz]

😂 19mth old owner here - yes! Lots of exercise! I shove waterproofs and coats on over pyjamas, and chuck toddler and her 3year old sister into the garden while I tidy after breakfast. Fresh air and exercise starts early here!

[MommaGee]

Mine doesn't sit still slot but can't walk without me yet so hard to send out for walk without pushchair and then can't manage it and baby walking... when does the walking upgrade kick in? He's 18 months

[SaladDressing]

At 8yrs old my DC still functions best with loads of exercise, lots of fresh air, regular meals and a plenty of cuddles!