Physical Development Toddler and Preschool Years

Overall Stature  Physical growth is slower, compared to the first year.  Children gain weight half as fast now, as they did in the first year.  Height is also slower compared to the first year. BOYSGIRLS AgeHeight/InchesWeight/PoundsHeight/InchesWeight/Pounds 129 to 30 ½21 to 24 ½28 ¼ to 29 ¾19 ½ to 22 ½ 233 ½ to 35 ¼26 to 3032 ¾ to 34 ¾24 ½ to 28 ½ 336 ¾ to 38 ¾29 ¼ to 3436 ¼ to 38 ½28 ¼ to 33 ¼ BOYSGIRLS AgeHeight/InchesWeight/PoundsHeight/InchesWeight/Pounds 129 to 30 ½21 to 24 ½28 ¼ to 29 ¾19 ½ to 22 ½ 233 ½ to 35 ¼26 to 3032 ¾ to 34 ¾24 ½ to 28 ½ 336 ¾ to 38 ¾29 ¼ to 3436 ¼ to 38 ½28 ¼ to 33 ¼

Teeth!  Children normally get the remainder of their baby teeth in by age 3 (going from 8 teeth during the first year, to 20 teeth when they are 3).  Though the teeth are in, it is important to help develop and strengthen teeth with proper brushing, as well as diet.  Fluoride is important to the teeth so children should drink tap water, rather than bottled water.  Most dentists will see children at the age of 3, with the exception of Pediatric Dentists who will see patients earlier – especially if there are signs of dental issues.

Motor Skills  Development of motor skills is rapid.  Around the age of 1 year, children begin taking their first steps…toddling around.  Balance and coordination begins to improve over time.

Motor Skills  By age of 3, children can walk easily, as well as run, hop, jump and skip.  Children need to stay active during this time to build their muscles, improve their coordination, as well as burn off energy.

Motor Skills  Motor development is prominent in this age range.  Children have much more control of fine and gross motor skills.  All kids progress at different rates, even if they share genetics.  Developmentally Appropriate activities are important based on age and skill level.

 Exercise promotes the development of gross motor skills.  Around the age of 1, children can pick up an item with their forefinger and thumb.  Playing with toys is a good way to develop fine motor skills. Motor Skills

 Dexterity (skillful use of hand muscles) improves with age.  Coloring and building with blocks are examples of play methods that improve dexterity.  Right or left handedness is still undetermined by this age, though some children will start to show a preference.

 Hand Eye coordination continues to improve.  Again, blocks are a good toy for them to play with. Besides developing fine motor skills, it also helps with hand eye coordination.  Children begin to be able to open doors and picking up just about any object between 2 and 3 years of age. Miscellaneous

 Sleep is still important to a child’s growth. A 1 year old tends to sleep through the night for 6 or more hours. As well as a nap or 2 during the day.  The need for sleep lessens as the child ages.  Children normally begin potty training during this time, learning to control their internal muscles.

Stature  Growth rate from 4-6 is even slower than previous growth rates.  Children grow on average 2 ½ to 3 inches per year and will gain 4 to 5 pounds per year. BOYSGIRLS AgeHeight/InchesWeight/PoundsHeight/InchesWeight/Pounds 440 ½3639 ½35 1/ ½42 ½39 ¾ 645 ½4645 ¼44 ½

 Posture changes – bodies become straight and slimmer, and children stand upright more.  Legs lengthen and strengthen.  Towards the end of this age range, children begin losing baby teeth and permanent teeth beginning to grow in.  Often the “Front Four” are the first ones to be replaced.  Teeth are normally lost in the order in which they came in.  Will eventually have 32 permanent teeth to replace the 20 baby teeth that will be lost.  Six Year Molars are new molars, not replacements. Stature

 Fine and gross motor skills continue to improve.  Very energetic – like to participate in physical activities  Like to run, jump and climb  Begin to show improvement in speed and coordination  Activities with movement, rhythm and music appeal to this age range Motor Skills

 Dexerity is also improved  Begin to tie shoes, cut with scissors, color within the lines, writing letters and even words  Hand-eye coordination improves – can pour liquid into a cup, can draw accurate or detailed pictures, play video games or use a mouse to control the computer Motor Skills

 By age 5, most have determined what “hand” they will be  Some may be ambidextrous – meaning they use both hands with equal skill  Some believe heredity is what determines left-handed vs. right-handed  Some believe it has to do with what hand parents gave objects to the baby in  All believe there is no reason to influence a child to use one hand over the other. Handedness

 Nutrition is important to a growing child  Amount of food needed by a child varies based on a child’s weight, metabolism and physical activity  Research shows children do better when they eat small nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day  Meals and snacks should be nutritious and appealing rather than convenient  Important to model nutritious eating habits Nutrition