Early Childhood Health: Physical Growth

Height and Weight

Children grow rapidly between ages 3 and 6 but less quickly than in infancy and toddlerhood.
Child’s shape becomes more streamlined
On average, children add 2 to 3 inches in height and about 5 pounds in weight each year in early childhood.
Children gradually become thinner and leaner
Boys continue to be slightly larger than girls; have more muscle tissue
Individual differences in body size are more apparent during early childhood than in infancy and toddlerhood.
Muscular and skeletal growth progresses, making children stronger.
Cartilage turns to bone at a faster rate. Bones harden , giving the child a firmer shape and protecting the internal organs.
Posture and balance improve, fostering gains in motor coordination.
The increased capacities of the respiratory and circulatory systems build physical stamina and, along with the developing immune system, keep children healthier.

Increase of proprioception – body’s awareness of space
With self-awareness comes body image
Dissatisfaction with body image in children
Do children have a sense of sexuality?
- Natural exploration of the human body
- Don’t overreact or shame children
- Teach about respecting privacy
Infancy (0-2): curiosity about the body; no inhibitions around nudity; touching genitals (publicly or privately)
- Parental advice: teach correct names of body parts; provide basic info about male and female bodies; teach how to respectfully interact with peers; provide very simple answers to questions about the body
Early childhood (2-5): exploration with kids of the same age; questions about sexuality or reproduction; curiosity regarding adult bodies; continued lack of inhibition around nudity; use of slang terms for body parts and functions
- Parental advice: provide basic info about reproduction; teach basic understanding of privacy and when behaviors are appropriate; explain the difference between wanted and unwanted touch; discuss boundaries

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