Authors
Benny Kai Guo Loo, Dinesh Sirisena, Falk Müller-Riemenschneider, Michael Yong Hwa Chia, Benedict Tan, Mohammad Ashik Zainuddin, Nirmal Kavalloor Visruthan, Nur Adila Binte Ahmad Hatib, Mary Foong-Fong Chong, Ratnaporn Siriamornsarp, Siao Hui Toh
Publication date
2023/6
Journal
Ann Acad Med Singap
Volume
52
Issue
6
Pages
310-20
Description
Introduction: Early childhood is a critical period for growth and development. Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours during this period forms the foundation for future well-being and offers the best protection against non-communicable diseases. Singapore studies have shown that many young children are not achieving the recommendations on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep. A workgroup was set up to develop recommendations for caregivers of infants, toddlers and preschoolers (aged< 7 years) on how to integrate beneficial activities within a daily 24-hour period for optimal development and metabolic health.
Method: The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT approach was employed for adoption, adaption or de novo development of recommendations. International and national guidelines were used as references, and an update of the literature reviews up to September 2021 was conducted through an electronic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases.
Results: Four consensus statements were developed for each age group: infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The statements focus on achieving good metabolic health through regular physical activity, limiting sedentary behaviour, achieving adequate sleep and positive eating habits. The 13th consensus statement recognises that integration of these activities within a 24-hour period can help obtain the best results.
Conclusion: This set of recommendations guides and encourages caregivers of Singapore infants, toddlers and preschoolers to adopt …
Total citations
2023202411
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