1. Physical Development from Ages 1-3

2. Toddlers to Preschoolers
Physical growth slows down after the first year, but physical skills improve dramatically from the first to the fourth birthday
“Toddling”- around age one when children begin to walk a few unsteady steps, Toddlers
Preschoolers- children ages three to five, make advances in physical skills such as jumping and running
Need lots of space and time each day for active play to
develop physical skills
exercise muscles
use stored up energy
Attention span is longer than infants, but they still want to change activities often

3. Height and Weight
Growth in height and weight is slower in this period compared to babies
Might only gain about ½ pound each month
Hereditary and environmental influences are more noticeable
more variation in height among children than weight
Height at age 2 usually is significant to height as an adult

4. Proportion and Posture
Posture improves because of changes in body proportion
Head, chest, and abdomen grow at the same rate and measure about the same until age 2
Between ages 2-3 the chest becomes larger, arms, legs, trunk grow rapidly
Help improve balance and motor skills
Child stand straighter by age 2, but posture is not completely erect
Abdomen protrudes
Head is somewhat forward
Knees and elbows are slightly bent
By age 3 spine has strengthened so back is straighter
Some baby fat is lost at this age

5. Teeth Average of 8 teeth by age 1
8 more teeth come in during the second year
Last 4 back teeth emerge early during 3rd year, giving complete set of 20
Diet of mother during pregnancy and of child during the first 2 years lay the foundation for good or poor teeth
Dairy products rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D help in the development of strong healthy teeth and bones
Diet can cause tooth decay: sweets, candy, sugar coated cereals, going to bed with a bottle (except water)

6. Motor Skills Motor skills are divided into two types
Large motor skills- use and control of the large muscles of the back, legs, shoulders, and arms
ex: walking, running, throwing balls
Small motor skills- depend on use and control of the finer muscles of the wrists, fingers, and ankles; many of these skills require hand-eye coordination
ex: using crayons, paintbrushes, turn pages of a book, eating

7. Motor Skills cont
Acquiring physical skills are not as predictable as they were in infancy
Some learn earlier or later than average based on
physical size
health and diet
interests
temperament
opportunities for physical play
developmentally appropriate- tasks are suitable for child given his or her age and interests

8. Large Motor Skills
Physical exercise and repeated practice promote development
Improvement is usually slow but steady
Ex walking:
walks and holds onto furniture
first steps wobbly, toes pointed out, arms out for balance
takes a few steps, collapses into sitting position
constant practice helps child improve steadiness, balance, and body control

9. Small Motor Skills Ex: feeding themselves and drinking from a cup
Poor hand-eye coordination causes many spills
Success and neatness improve with practice
Jack in the box and musical rolling toys help small motor skills
Dexterity- skillful use of the hands and fingers
2 year olds show improved dexterity
Can turn pages of a book, peel a banana, turn on a faucet
Enjoy crayons- even if they end up on tables and walls
Build towers with blocks
3 year old show more skill
Take things apart and put back together
Can draw circles and lines

10. Caring for Children Ages 1-3

11. Feeding
Food eaten at this age influences food habits that can last throughout life
Self-feeding helps and depends on small motor skills
Toddlers need food every three to four hours because their stomachs are small
Snacks are helpful in between meals
The amount of food eaten daily by a toddler depends on appetite and level of activity
Meals can be a battle ground!
Strong opinions of likes and dislikes of food are developed

12. Improvement of Self Feeding Skills
One-year olds eat baby foods and simple foods from family meals
Foods should be cut into small pieces to avoid choking
Finger foods are easy to pick up
At about 1 ½ toddlers can use a spoon to feed themselves
Two-year olds feed themselves and can use a fork
Usually takes a while to eat
Improves motor skills
Schedule meals so the toddler eats with the family
Three-year olds have a full set of teeth so chewing is easier
Meats and tough foods should be served in small pieces
Can use forks, spoons, and regular cups at meals

13. Choosing Foods for Children
Use regular milk until 2 years old, then introduce reduced fat milk
The extra fat in whole milk helps aid in brain development until the second year
Choose fresh foods when possible; convenience foods can contain a lot of salt and fat
How can you promote interest in nutritious foods to toddlers? Give them appealing meals.
Color- a variety of bright colors
Texture- crunchy, chewy, juicy
Shape- cut sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables in different shapes
Temperature- hot/warm and cold foods at the same meal
Ease of eating- foods that are easier to chew and eat

14. Create a dish to be served to a child
Create a dish to be served to a child. Use your imagination to give the food special appeal. Present your idea with a colored drawing and write out a list of ingredients and instructions to create your dish.

15. Bathing
Caregivers need to help toddlers develop good hygiene and good hygiene skills
Hygiene- personal cleanliness
Daily bath helps build good hygiene
Bathing at night helps with a bedtime routine
Toddlers typically have fun playing in the water
One year olds want to wash themselves
Usually means rubbing washcloth over face and stomach
Two year olds can wash, rinse, and dry themselves fairly well
Caregivers have to help with neck and back

16. Bathing cont
Three year olds can bathe themselves with little supervision
Bath Time Safety:
Never leave a child alone
can drown in a little amount of water
Cover the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping
rough plastic stickers
rubber mat
When a toddler can shower depends on the child’s ability to:
control water temperature
stand in the shower safely
ability to clean themselves

17. Caring for Teeth
Encourage children to brush their teeth right after eating
The longer foods remains in the mouth, the more damage it can cause
Use a small soft toothbrush and drop of toothpaste
Dentist encourage parents to begin flossing the teeth and show how to hold and use the floss
Some dentist suggest at 18 months to have the first dental checkup

18. Dressing a Toddler Toddlers are eager to start dressing themselves
Caregivers should encourage self-dressing when a toddler shows interest
Dressing involves large and small motor skills at a time
Patience is key
Practice makes perfect
Toddlers usually start to try helping with dressing around month
Could be as small as holding out arm for the sleeve of a shirt
Eventually will be able to push own arm through the sleeve
By two years, toddlers can pull up pants, but shirts may still be difficult
Can be inside out or backwards
By 3 years, toddlers can dress independently
May need help with buttons and shoelaces

19. Characteristics to Look for When Choosing Clothing
Comfort- allow freedom of movement
stretch as child moves
size is important- possibly let child try on clothes before you buy them
Durability- influenced by the quality of the fabric and construction of the clothing
must withstand hard wear and repeated washing
denim is durable
fasteners and trim should be firmly attached
cotton is comfortable- won’t irritate skin, washes well
synthetic fibers are made from chemicals, not natural resources
polyester and acrylic- durable, wrinkle resistant, quick drying
don’t absorb moisture well, hold heat and perspiration against the body
Economy- choose clothes that allow for growth
look for hems or cuff that can be let down
straps on overalls or jumpers are adjustable
pants can be rolled up and down

20. Sleeping By two years old, sleeping habits usually change
Require less sleep
May not go to sleep as easily or willingly
May no longer take a morning nap
Two year olds tend to be more emotionally dependant on adults
Call parent back repeatedly
Ask for drink of water
Another story
Trip to the bathroom
Two year olds use self comforting techniques such as thumb sucking, rocking the crib, cuddling favorite blanket or toy
Three year olds wake up frequently during the night and get out of bed
Fear of the dark is common
May have heard reports on the news of fires, burglaries, etc
calming talk may help
nightlights
need lots of patience and understanding

21. Toilet Training
Toilet training should start when the child is physically mature and emotionally ready
Physically mature:
Control sphincter muscles- muscles that control elimination
Recognize body sensations that precede elimination
Calm encouragement of caregivers is more effective than rules and punishment
A child who is emotionally ready usually wants to succeed
Even after toilet training is completed, some accidents can still occur
May use a potty chair or a special seat on the toilet
Some toddlers are afraid of the toilet when it flushes
Training pants are heavy absorbent underpants in place of a diaper
Makes toddlers feel mature