Transcript Physical Development from Ages 1-3

Physical Development from Ages
1-3
Toddlers to Preschoolers
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Physical growth slows down after the first year, but physical
skills improve dramatically from the first to the fourth
birthday
“Toddling”- around age one when children begin to walk a
few unsteady steps, Toddlers
Preschoolers- children ages three to five, make advances in
physical skills such as jumping and running
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Need lots of space and time each day for active play to
develop physical skills
exercise muscles
use stored up energy
Attention span is longer than infants, but they still want to change
activities often
Height and Weight
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Growth in height and weight is slower in this
period compared to babies
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Might only gain about ½ pound each month
Hereditary and environmental influences are
more noticeable
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more variation in height among children than weight
Height at age 2 usually is significant to
height as an adult
Proportion and Posture
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Posture improves because of changes in body proportion
Head, chest, and abdomen grow at the same rate and measure about
the same until age 2
Between ages 2-3 the chest becomes larger, arms, legs, trunk grow
rapidly
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Help improve balance and motor skills
Child stand straighter by age 2, but posture is not completely erect
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Abdomen protrudes
Head is somewhat forward
Knees and elbows are slightly bent
By age 3 spine has strengthened so back is straighter
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Some baby fat is lost at this age
Teeth
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Average of 8 teeth by age 1
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8 more teeth come in during the second year
Last 4 back teeth emerge early during 3rd year, giving complete set
of 20
Diet of mother during pregnancy and of child during the
first 2 years lay the foundation for good or poor teeth
Dairy products rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D
help in the development of strong healthy teeth and bones
Diet can cause tooth decay: sweets, candy, sugar coated
cereals, going to bed with a bottle (except water)
Motor Skills
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Motor skills are divided into two types
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Large motor skills- use and control of the large
muscles of the back, legs, shoulders, and arms
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ex: walking, running, throwing balls
Small motor skills- depend on use and control of
the finer muscles of the wrists, fingers, and
ankles; many of these skills require hand-eye
coordination
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ex: using crayons, paintbrushes, turn pages of a book,
eating
Motor Skills cont
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Acquiring physical skills are not as predictable as
they were in infancy
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Some learn earlier or later than average based on
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physical size
health and diet
interests
temperament
opportunities for physical play
developmentally appropriate- tasks are suitable for
child given his or her age and interests
Large Motor Skills
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Physical exercise and repeated practice
promote development
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Improvement is usually slow but steady
Ex walking:
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walks and holds onto furniture
first steps wobbly, toes pointed out, arms out for
balance
takes a few steps, collapses into sitting position
constant practice helps child improve
steadiness, balance, and body control
Small Motor Skills
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Ex: feeding themselves and drinking from a cup
Poor hand-eye coordination causes many spills
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Success and neatness improve with practice
Jack in the box and musical rolling toys help small motor skills
Dexterity- skillful use of the hands and fingers
2 year olds show improved dexterity
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Can turn pages of a book, peel a banana, turn on a faucet
Enjoy crayons- even if they end up on tables and walls
Build towers with blocks
3 year old show more skill
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Take things apart and put back together
Can draw circles and lines
Caring for Children
Ages 1-3
Feeding
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Food eaten at this age influences food habits that
can last throughout life
Self-feeding helps and depends on small motor
skills
Toddlers need food every three to four hours
because their stomachs are small
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Snacks are helpful in between meals
The amount of food eaten daily by a toddler depends on
appetite and level of activity
Meals can be a battle ground!
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Strong opinions of likes and dislikes of food are
developed
Improvement of Self Feeding Skills
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One-year olds eat baby foods and simple foods from family
meals
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Foods should be cut into small pieces to avoid choking
Finger foods are easy to pick up
At about 1 ½ toddlers can use a spoon to feed themselves
Two-year olds feed themselves and can use a fork
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Usually takes a while to eat
Improves motor skills
Schedule meals so the toddler eats with the family
Three-year olds have a full set of teeth so chewing is easier
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Meats and tough foods should be served in small pieces
Can use forks, spoons, and regular cups at meals
Choosing Foods for Children
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Use regular milk until 2 years old, then introduce reduced
fat milk
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The extra fat in whole milk helps aid in brain development until the
second year
Choose fresh foods when possible; convenience foods can contain a
lot of salt and fat
How can you promote interest in nutritious foods to
toddlers? Give them appealing meals.
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Color- a variety of bright colors
Texture- crunchy, chewy, juicy
Shape- cut sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables in different shapes
Temperature- hot/warm and cold foods at the same meal
Ease of eating- foods that are easier to chew and eat
• Create a dish to be served to a child. Use
your imagination to give the food special
appeal. Present your idea with a colored
drawing and write out a list of ingredients
and instructions to create your dish.
Bathing
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Caregivers need to help toddlers develop good
hygiene and good hygiene skills
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Hygiene- personal cleanliness
Daily bath helps build good hygiene
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Bathing at night helps with a bedtime routine
Toddlers typically have fun playing in the water
One year olds want to wash themselves
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Usually means rubbing washcloth over face and stomach
Two year olds can wash, rinse, and dry themselves
fairly well
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Caregivers have to help with neck and back
Bathing cont
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Three year olds can bathe themselves with little
supervision
Bath Time Safety:
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Never leave a child alone
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Cover the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping
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can drown in a little amount of water
rough plastic stickers
rubber mat
When a toddler can shower depends on the child’s ability
to:
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control water temperature
stand in the shower safely
ability to clean themselves
Caring for Teeth
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Encourage children to brush their teeth right after
eating
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The longer foods remains in the mouth, the more
damage it can cause
Use a small soft toothbrush and drop of
toothpaste
Dentist encourage parents to begin flossing the
teeth and show how to hold and use the floss
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Some dentist suggest at 18 months to have the first
dental checkup
Dressing a Toddler
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Toddlers are eager to start dressing themselves
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Caregivers should encourage self-dressing when a toddler shows interest
Dressing involves large and small motor skills at a time
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Patience is key
Practice makes perfect
Toddlers usually start to try helping with dressing around 13-14 month
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Could be as small as holding out arm for the sleeve of a shirt
Eventually will be able to push own arm through the sleeve
By two years, toddlers can pull up pants, but shirts may still be difficult
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Can be inside out or backwards
By 3 years, toddlers can dress independently
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May need help with buttons and shoelaces
Characteristics to Look for When Choosing
Clothing
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Comfort- allow freedom of movement
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stretch as child moves
size is important- possibly let child try on clothes before you buy them
Durability- influenced by the quality of the fabric and construction of the
clothing
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must withstand hard wear and repeated washing
denim is durable
fasteners and trim should be firmly attached
cotton is comfortable- won’t irritate skin, washes well
synthetic fibers are made from chemicals, not natural resources
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polyester and acrylic- durable, wrinkle resistant, quick drying
don’t absorb moisture well, hold heat and perspiration against the body
Economy- choose clothes that allow for growth
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look for hems or cuff that can be let down
straps on overalls or jumpers are adjustable
pants can be rolled up and down
Sleeping
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By two years old, sleeping habits usually change
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Require less sleep
May not go to sleep as easily or willingly
May no longer take a morning nap
Two year olds tend to be more emotionally dependant on adults
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Call parent back repeatedly
Ask for drink of water
Another story
Trip to the bathroom
Two year olds use self comforting techniques such as thumb sucking, rocking
the crib, cuddling favorite blanket or toy
Three year olds wake up frequently during the night and get out of bed
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Fear of the dark is common
May have heard reports on the news of fires, burglaries, etc
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calming talk may help
nightlights
need lots of patience and understanding
Toilet Training
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Toilet training should start when the child is physically mature and
emotionally ready
Physically mature:
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Control sphincter muscles- muscles that control elimination
Recognize body sensations that precede elimination
Calm encouragement of caregivers is more effective than rules and
punishment
A child who is emotionally ready usually wants to succeed
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Even after toilet training is completed, some accidents can still occur
May use a potty chair or a special seat on the toilet
Some toddlers are afraid of the toilet when it flushes
Training pants are heavy absorbent underpants in place of a diaper
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Makes toddlers feel mature