Chapter 11

What are the average changes in height, weight, posture and proportion in ages one to three?

How can a parent/caregiver distinguish between small and large motor skills in years one to three?

How do you care for children ages one to three (including nutrition, hygiene, sleep and toilet training)?

Toddlers

Preschoolers

Developmentally appropriate

Synthetic fibers

Sphincter muscles

Small motor skills

Large motor skills

Hygiene

Dexterity

Training pants

A toddler is a child between their first birthday and their fourth birthday. Children begin to walk at this age. The learning process is slow and unsteady. This term refers to children who begin walking and make uncertain movements.

Toddlers are children between the ages of 1 and 3 years old.

This refers to a child age 3-5

years who walk more steadily. They not only walk normally

but they can hop, jump, and run. Their physical skills are much improved from that of toddlers.

Age Height Weight

One Year 30 inches 22 ½ pounds

Two Years 34 inches 28 pounds

Three Years

38 inches 32 ½ pounds

Because of changes in proportion, posture improves during this period.

Until age 2, a child’s head, chest and abdomen all measure about

the same. They all grow at the same rate.

Between the ages of 2 and 3, the chest becomes larger than the head and

abdomen. The arms and legs also grow rapidly.

These changes help improve balance and motor skills.

One year olds have about 8 teeth.

During the second year, about 8 more teeth appear.

The last 4 teeth usually come in early in the third year.

This means toddlers have a complete set of 20 teeth.

The quality of a child’s teeth is greatly influenced by their diet.

The diet of the mother during pregnancy and the child during

the first 2 years lays the foundation for tooth health for

life.

Avoid giving children sweets, especially candy, soda and sugar

coated cereals because they cause tooth decay

Visiting the dentist is important.

Infants should have their gums wiped with a cloth

after each feeding.

As soon as teeth appear, parents should brush their

child’s teeth.

Teaching a child to brush and floss should start early.

Toddlers should also go to the dentist

as early as possible.

Large motor skills involve the use and control of the large muscles of the back, legs, shoulders, and arms.

This includes activities like walking, running, and throwing.

Physical exercise and repeated practice promote the development of large motor skills.

Small motor skills depend on the use and control of finer muscles.

Small motor skills include muscles of the wrist, fingers and ankles.

Toddlers learn their habits and attitudes about food from the adults around them. They will have these habits and attitudes for the rest of their life. So, BE A GOOD ROLE

MODEL!

Because toddlers stomachs are small, they need to eat every 3-4

hours. Be sure you are feeding them nutritious foods as snacks.

A toddler’s appetite will vary with the amount of activity each day.

Children will be more likely to accept new foods if they are not pressured or rewarded for eating them.

Milk is important for toddlers. It helps to build strong

bones and teeth.

Up until the age of 2, children need whole milk. After that they should have low or non fat milk.

Your doctor will give you a recommendation.

Be sure to include a variety of sources of calcium…Yogurt, pudding and cheese.

Children should be exposed to a variety of vegetables.You never know if they will like it until they try it.

Raw vegetables are low in calories and fat and are fun to

crunch on for easy snacks!

Remember to include a variety of colorful vegetables…carrots,

broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, potatoes, and corn.

Foods in the bread and cereal group provide toddlers with energy. It is important that they eat foods from

this group.

Many foods are included in this group….breads, cereal (non-sugar), pasta, rice and

crackers are good choices

Fruits are a great

source of sweet

foods with very little calories. Toddlers

should get in the habit

of eating fruits. Be

sure to choose a variety of colors in

the fruits.

Some good choices of fruits for toddlers

are…Apples,

bananas, strawberries, oranges and 100% juices.

Be VERY careful when

feeding toddlers grapes.

Toddlers need to eat protein rich foods. These foods help to build muscle and repair tissue. Remember to

keep red meat to a minimum because it is high in fat.

Some good choices in meat include fish (look carefully for bones),

poultry. eggs, beans and peanut butter.

To make a meal more interesting for a toddler,

be sure to include a variety of colors, textures,

shape, temperature and ease of eating.Include children in food preparation. If they make it, they will be more likely to try it!

Keep meals pleasant.Digestion is easier and your child learns

manners.

It is easier for toddlers to use a bowl or plate with

sides along with special utensils.

Do NOT bribe children with food.“Finish your dinner and I’ll give you a cookie.”

Children will only learn to dress themselves if they are

given practice. It involves repeatedly using large and

small motor skills.

As children learn, they will make mistakes. Some

examples…

Children learn independence, responsibility and self esteem by learning to dress

themselves!

Look for comfort. Clothes should allow children to move freely. They

are very active. Remember comfort includes being the right size. Sizing is very different from company to

company in children’s clothing.Look for durability.

Toddlers are very hard on their clothes. They crawl on the floor and run around. Look for clothing that is well constructed. Cotton is always a good choice

because it is comfortable and washes well.

Look for economy.Children grow rapidly and will require new clothes

often. Try to find clothing that has hems that can be let

down and straps with adjustable lengths. Buttons can also be

moved to allow more room for the child

By the age of two, toddlers require less sleep and are

less likely to go to bed easily.

Bed time routines are very important at this

age to get your child to go to

bed and to go sleep and stay asleep.

Children may use self-comforting techniques

like thumb sucking, rocking or favorite

blanket or toy.

Fear of the dark is common. Some children can be “talked” out of it while others may need a night light or other help

with their fear.

Most children start toilet training between the ages of 18 month and 4 years.

Every child is different and will not begin toilet training until they are ready---physically and emotionally!

To be ready physically, children must be able to control their

SPHINCTER muscle. This is the muscle that control elimination.

A child must be able to recognize the body sensation.

A child will learn to control their bowels and thebladder will follow in 1-2 months.

Parent’s attitude toward toilet training have a great affect on the child’s attitude.

Parents need to be calm and understanding with their child. This can be a long process.

If a child loses interest in toilet training, stop and wait

a few weeks and then try again. Do not push the child!

Children tend to be less afraid if they have their own potty chair instead of using the “Big Potty”.

Training pants are a great way to get the child excited about using the potty.

Bathing Your Toddler

kidspot.co.nz

•Parents and caregivers need to help toddlers develop good attitudes about hygiene.

•Children need to be taught to wash their hands after using the toilet---everytime!

•Teach them to bath themselves

•One yr olds—rub cloth over face and stomach

•Two yr olds—wash, rinse and dry fairly well

•Three yr olds—need little help or supervision

Bathing Con’t Bathtubs are dangerous places for toddlers

A child can drown in only an inch of water

NEVER leave baby unattended in the tub

Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the tub to make it slip proof

Children can showers if they prefer

Always be sure to turn the water temperature down on your water heater so child does not get burned (water and facet)

Now it is time to put your new found knowledge to

work!

Make a chart of a day’s activities for a three year old. The schedule should include time for physical

activity, meals, practice in small motor skills and good

hygiene.

Explain your schedule including a time schedule for each activity and why you choose that activity.