Following the rapid growth of infancy, the speed of growth slows in the toddler years. After age 2,
toddlers gain about 5 lb in weight and 2.5 inches in height each year.Head circumference only increases by about 1 inch from 2 to 12 years.Growth does not increase steadily; rather, it often occurs in spurts. It is not unusual for a toddler’s weight to remain the same for weeks at a time. Increases in height of the preschool child result primarily from growth of the lower extremities and, to a lesser extent, elongation of the trunk. Body proportions change, with upper-to-lower segment ratios ranging from 1.40 at age 2 years to 1.15 to 1.20 at age 5 years. Between the ages of 2 and 2.5 years, the child will have reached 50% of his or her adult height.With a newly erect posture, the classic and endearing toddler pose includes lordosis and a protuberant abdomen. Growth of the lower extremities often is accompanied by tibial torsion and physiologic bowing of the legs, which usually corrects itself by age 3 years. The percentage of body fat steadily decreases from 22% at age 1 year to At approximately age 2 years, the stiff, wide-leg gait of early toddlerhood becomes a flexible, steady walking pattern, with an adult-like heel-toe progression. By 36 months, they have developed their balance and can stand on one foot briefly. Toddlers delight in their new-found skills and often can be seen experimenting with them. As any person who has cared for a toddler can attest, they climb, they jump, and they run. Supervision is key to preventing injury because toddlers sometimes test their skills beyond their abilities in an attempt to learn and do more. about 12.5% to 15% at age 5 years.
By the end of toddlerhood, increased muscle tone and decreased body fat give the child the appearance of being more lean and muscular.