TODDLERS

2-3 years old

Growth and Development
Physical Growth
Weight, Height, and Head
Circumference
A child gains only about 5
to 6 lb (2.5 kg) and 5 in (12
cm) a year during the
toddler period, much less
than the rate of infant
growth.
Head circumference increases
only about 2 cm during the
second year compared to about
12 cm during the first year.
Head circumference equals chest
circumference at 6 months to 1
year of age.
By 2 years, chest circumference
has grown greater than that of
the head.
 Body Contour
Toddlers tend to have a
prominent abdomen because
although they are walking well,
their abdominal muscles are not
yet strong enough to support
abdominal contents as well as
they will later
They also have a forward curve
of the spine at the sacral area
(lordosis). As they become more
experienced at walking, this will
correct itself naturally.
Many toddlers, in addition,
waddle or walk with a wide
stance. This stance seems to
increase the lordotic curve, but it
keeps them on their feet.
 Body Systems
Respirations slow slightly
but continue to be mainly
abdominal.
The heart rate slows from
110 to 90 beats per minute;
blood pressure increases to
about 99/64 mm Hg.
The brain develops to about
90% of its adult size.
In the respiratory system, the
lumens of vessels enlarge
progressively so the threat of
lower respiratory infection
becomes less.
Stomach secretions become
more acid; therefore,
gastrointestinal infections
also become less common.
Stomach capacity increases to
the point a child can eat three
meals a day.
Control of the urinary and anal
sphincters becomes possible
with complete myelination of
the spinal cord so toilet training
is possible.
IgG and IgM antibody
production becomes mature at 2
years of age. The passive
immunity obtained during
intrauterine life is no longer
operative.