Body growth and development• do not grow as quickly as the first

year

• grow at different rates (height and weight)

-heredity-environment

Years 1 to 3• Babies triple their birth weight during

the first year• Toddlers gain only ¼ of that amount• Most girls reach 53% of their adult

height by age 2• Most boys reach 50% of their adult

height by age 2

THEREFORE…It is usually true that a tall two-year-old will be a tall adult.

Ben is 24 months old.He is currently 34 ½ in.tall.How tall will he be?

Average height and weight from one to three yearsAge in months1218243036

Height Weight 30 in 21 lbs 32 in 24.5 lbs

34 in 27 lbs36 in 30 lbs38 in 32 lbs

Motor Development• Toddlers improve on motor skills

developed as an infant

• Also learn many new skills

• Practice, practice, practice!!

Large Motor Development• development of the trunk and arm

and leg muscles• also called gross motor development

-climbing-walking-jumping-running-throwing

• Most begin within two to three months after first birthday

• How old were you when you learned to walk?

• Learn to walk at different ages– Beginning

• stand with feet wide apart• turn feet outward and flex knees• tiptoes• arms out

Walking

• Walking cont’d– At two years

•may look like a run

•170 steps per minute

•half the length of adult stride

•walk onto objects•lots of falling

RunningRunningTrue running begins around 2 yearsTrue running begins around 2 yearsNot skilledNot skilledCannot start or stop quicklyCannot start or stop quickly

Jumping Not much before 2 years At 2 years- jump off low objects

with both feet Move arms backwards

Climbing• Toddlers climb onto furniture and

other objects• Walk up and down stairs with help• Put both feet on each stair• Climbing relates to accessibility and

courage

Throwing and Catching Throwing begins on accident Like seeing what happens and then

throw on purpose Sitting before standing Not skilled throwers until 3 years Catch by squatting and picking up Arms extended and elbows stiff

Small Muscle Development• Development of small muscles-

hands and fingers• Fine motor skills• Eye-hand coordination

• Hold utensils, drink from cup, feed themselves- after 1 year

18 months- 2 years• string large beads• turn book pages one at a time• open doors using knobs• hit pegs with hammer• hold crayons and pencils• By 2 years- most show hand

preference

Providing for the Toddler’s Physical Needs

• Feeding• Clothing• Rest and Sleep• Hygiene• Toilet Learning

Rest and Sleep• Toddlers sleep less than babies• May resist sleep• Many techniques help in sleep

management

Hygiene (or Baths!)• Usually fun for toddlers. • May use a seat or a tub• Never ever leave a toddler

in a bathtub alone