This month sees the launch of the 12th annual National Children's Activity week which runs from Monday to October 16. This initiative, run by the play organisation, Tumble Tots, is backed by Britain's Olympic gold medallist turned broadcaster, and mother-of-three, Sally Gunnell.

National Children's Activity Week is designed to bring to the fore the importance of encouraging children to participate in physical activity from a young age and the vital role parents pay.

The percentage of children who are overweight has doubled in 30 years, with an average child watching three hours of television a day. These changes in lifestyle are alarming health experts throughout the UK and, while Sport England and its partners in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland work towards promoting the value of physical recreation, it is parents who need to take the lead.

"Children are never too young to get active," said Gunnell. "Right from the word go, activity should be a way of life and the impetus must come from parents. Kids love playing the games their parents played. Activities don't have to cost a fortune - try making an obstacle course in the garden or taking a trip to the park. The point is to have fun and join in with them, because that's what they really like.

As well as focusing on an active lifestyle for children up to the age of five, this year, with sponsors Huggies Super-flex on board, Activity Week will also highlight exercises for babies from as young as six months.

Micheal Alexander of Tumble Tots North London, said: "Often new parents are at a loss as to waht activities they can and can't do with their babies. We are delighted to be working with Huggies, who have designed a Baby Games booklet with suggestions on activities parents and babies can do together at home."

Across the UK, more than 60,000 Tumble Tots babies and children will be participating in an extra active Tumble Tots session during Activity Week and parents around the country will be encouraged to continue with a regular active routine so that we can build a healthier nation.

For free copies of the Huggies Baby Games booklet, send an SEA to:
Huggies Baby Games
O'Leary RMPR
27 Canmore Street
Dunfermline
KY12 7NU

The Tumble Tots Activity Week Charts are available free from Tumble Tots (UK) Limited. Parents or schools just need to ring 0121 585 7003 to request their copies.