'Fashion police' warning for children's play

Published: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:30:00

Dressing children in inappropriate clothing can prevent their physical activity, scientists have warned today. A study in the BioMed Central's open access journal found parents who dress their children in inappropriate clothing could be inadvertently hampering their child's physical activity in childcare settings. The US-based study said three-quarters of children aged 3-6 years old in America spend time in childcare and many spend most of their waking hours in these settings, adding that daily physical activity offers numerous health benefits, and time outdoors has been found to be associated with children's activity levels.

A team of researchers led by Kristen Copeland, from the Cincinnati children's hospital medical centre, looked at why physical activity levels may vary between 53 child-care providers. They said their results through a series of focus groups found that clothing was potentially a significant barrier to children's outdoor physical activity.

Ms Copeland said: "Child care centres should consider instigating clear and specific policies regarding the type of clothes permitted at these centres so that children's active play opportunities aren't curtailed." The researchers said inappropriate clothing included inadequate outdoor clothing, such as a lack of coats and gloves in the wintertime and unsuitable footwear, such as flip flops. The study found also a few children dressed improperly could prevent the entire class from going outside, and therefore restricting physical activity.

Caregivers suggested several reasons why parents may dress their child inappropriately, including forgetfulness, a rushed morning routine, limited income to buy clothes, a child's preference for a favourite item, and parents not understanding the importance of outdoor play.

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