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