PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Toddlers and Preschoolers

Toddlers Preschoolers

1-2 year oldsName comes from

the early, unsteady steps they first take around this age

3-5 year oldsMore physically

advanced; preparing for school

Age Groups

Growth

Height and Weight

Toddlers gain about half the monthly weight and height they did during the first year

Height and Weight

Toddlers gain about half the monthly weight and height they did during the first year About 4-5 pounds and 3-4 inches per year

Height and Weight

Toddlers gain about half the monthly weight and height they did during the first year About 4-5 pounds and 3-4 inches per year

Variations in size are much greater after the first birthday

Height and Weight

Toddlers gain about half the monthly weight and height they did during the first year About 4-5 pounds and 3-4 inches per year

Variations in size are much greater after the first birthday

Growth for preschoolers is only slightly slower than that of toddlers

Height and Weight

Toddlers gain about half the monthly weight and height they did during the first year About 4-5 pounds and 3-4 inches per year

Variations in size are much greater after the first birthday

Growth for preschoolers is only slightly slower than that of toddlers About 4-5 pounds and 2 ½-3 inches per year

Height and Weight

Toddlers gain about half the monthly weight and height they did during the first year About 4-5 pounds and 3-4 inches per year

Variations in size are much greater after the first birthday

Growth for preschoolers is only slightly slower than that of toddlers About 4-5 pounds and 2 ½-3 inches per year

Boys tend to be slightly taller and heavier than girls during this period

Proportion and Posture

Posture improves during toddler years because of changes in physical proportions

Proportion and Posture

Posture improves during toddler years because of changes in physical proportions Until age 2, the circumference of the head and torso

are about the same

Proportion and Posture

Posture improves during toddler years because of changes in physical proportions Until age 2, the circumference of the head and torso

are about the same Protruding abdomen, head bent slightly forward, knees

and elbows slightly bent

Proportion and Posture

Posture improves during toddler years because of changes in physical proportions Until age 2, the circumference of the head and torso

are about the same Protruding abdomen, head bent slightly forward, knees

and elbows slightly bent After age 2, the chest becomes larger than the head

and abdomen, and arms, legs, and torso lengthen, spine is stronger

Proportion and Posture

Posture improves during toddler years because of changes in physical proportions Until age 2, the circumference of the head and torso

are about the same Protruding abdomen, head bent slightly forward, knees

and elbows slightly bent After age 2, the chest becomes larger than the head

and abdomen, and arms, legs, and torso lengthen, spine is stronger Child has better balance and motor skills and can stand

straighter

Proportion and Posture

Posture changes noticeably during preschool years

Proportion and Posture

Posture changes noticeably during preschool years Child’s body becomes slimmer and straighter, tummy

flattens, chest broadens and flattens, legs lengthen rapidly, neck lengthens

Proportion and Posture

Posture changes noticeably during preschool years Child’s body becomes slimmer and straighter, tummy

flattens, chest broadens and flattens, legs lengthen rapidly, neck lengthens

Child stands more erect with shoulders back; improved abdominal strength; improved balance and coordination

Teeth

Children typically have 8 teeth by their first birthday

Teeth

Children typically have 8 teeth by their first birthday

8 more teeth typically come in by the second birthday

Teeth

Children typically have 8 teeth by their first birthday

8 more teeth typically come in by the second birthday

The last 4 teeth typically come in by the third birthday, making a full set of 20 Primary Teeth, or baby teeth

Teeth

Children typically have 8 teeth by their first birthday

8 more teeth typically come in by the second birthday

The last 4 teeth typically come in by the third birthday, making a full set of 20 Primary Teeth, or baby teeth

Children begin losing their primary teeth around 5 years old

Teeth

Diet influences the quality of the teeth

Teeth

Diet influences the quality of the teeth Mother’s diet during pregnancy affects developing

teeth in fetus

Teeth

Diet influences the quality of the teeth Mother’s diet during pregnancy affects developing

teeth in fetus Toddlers need dairy products, vitamin D, and fluoride

Teeth

Diet influences the quality of the teeth Mother’s diet during pregnancy affects developing

teeth in fetus Toddlers need dairy products, vitamin D, and fluoride Limit sweets and NEVER put the child to bed with a

bottle!

Teeth

Diet influences the quality of the teeth Mother’s diet during pregnancy affects developing

teeth in fetus Toddlers need dairy products, vitamin D, and fluoride Limit sweets and NEVER put the child to bed with a

bottle! Baby bottle decay or

Bottle mouth

Teeth

Diet influences the quality of the teeth Mother’s diet during pregnancy affects developing

teeth in fetus Toddlers need dairy products, vitamin D, and fluoride Limit sweets and NEVER put the child to bed with a

bottle!Toddlers should have their first dental visit at

about 18 months

Teeth

Children need to have their teeth brushed with a small, soft toothbrush at least twice a day.

Teeth

Children need to have their teeth brushed with a small, soft toothbrush at least twice a day. By age 2, children can begin trying to brush their own

teeth but may still need help or supervision for a couple years

Teeth

Children need to have their teeth brushed with a small, soft toothbrush at least twice a day. By age 2, children can begin trying to brush their own

teeth but may still need help or supervision for a couple years

A child’s toothpaste and/or water should have fluoride Fluoride—strengthens the enamel (hard outer coating)

of teeth to help prevent decay

Teeth

Children need to have their teeth brushed with a small, soft toothbrush at least twice a day. By age 2, children can begin trying to brush their own

teeth but may still need help or supervision for a couple years

A child’s toothpaste and/or water should have fluoride Fluoride—strengthens the enamel (hard outer coating)

of teeth to help prevent decay Children should be taught to brush for at least 1

minute each time

Teeth

Thumb-sucking—many children suck their thumbs for comfort and will generally stop on their own

Teeth

Thumb-sucking—many children suck their thumbs for comfort and will generally stop on their own If it continues past age 5, check with a dentist or

orthodontist, because it can affect the shape of the mouth or the way the teeth line up

Motor Development

Motor Skills

Major changes in motor skills take place during the toddler and preschool years

Motor Skills

Major changes in motor skills take place during the toddler and preschool years

Not all children develop skills at the same rate

Motor Skills

Gross Motor Skills—enhanced by physical exercise

Motor Skills

Gross Motor Skills—enhanced by physical exercise Walking is a significant milestone—around 1 year old

Motor Skills

Gross Motor Skills—enhanced by physical exercise Walking is a significant milestone—around 1 year old Preschoolers are very energetic, and their favorite

activities are usually physical

Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills—enhanced by playing with toys

Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills—enhanced by playing with toys Picking up objects between thumb and forefinger is

one of the first major milestones—around 1 year old

Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills—enhanced by playing with toys Picking up objects between thumb and forefinger is

one of the first major milestones—around 1 year old Learning to feed themselves and drink from a cup—

between 1st and 2nd year

Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills—enhanced by playing with toys Picking up objects between thumb and forefinger is

one of the first major milestones—around 1 year old Learning to feed themselves and drink from a cup—

between 1st and 2nd year Dexterity—skillful use of hands and fingers—

increases as the child gets older

Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills—enhanced by playing with toys Picking up objects between thumb and forefinger is

one of the first major milestones—around 1 year old Learning to feed themselves and drink from a cup—

between 1st and 2nd year Dexterity—skillful use of hands and fingers—

increases as the child gets older 3-year-olds—have enough dexterity to draw circles, lines,

crosses, etc.

Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills—enhanced by playing with toys Picking up objects between thumb and forefinger is

one of the first major milestones—around 1 year old Learning to feed themselves and drink from a cup—

between 1st and 2nd year Dexterity—skillful use of hands and fingers—

increases as the child gets older 3-year-olds—have enough dexterity to draw circles, lines,

crosses, etc. 4-year-olds—can lace shoes and put simple puzzles

together

Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills—enhanced by playing with toys Picking up objects between thumb and forefinger is

one of the first major milestones—around 1 year old Learning to feed themselves and drink from a cup—

between 1st and 2nd year Dexterity—skillful use of hands and fingers—

increases as the child gets older 3-year-olds—have enough dexterity to draw circles, lines,

crosses, etc. 4-year-olds—can lace shoes and put simple puzzles

together 5-year-olds—can tie shoes, print some letters

Motor Skills

Hand preference—most toddlers and preschoolers will switch from one hand to another for tasks, but by about age 5 will consistently prefer either the right or left hand for most activities