The Toddler and Family
The Toddler and Family
- Proportional changes
- Toddler years: 12-36 months
- Physical growth slows during toddlerhood
- Average weight gain is 1.8 to 2.7 kg (4-6 lbs) per year
- Birth weight is quadrupled by 2-1/2 years of age
- Average height of a 2-year-old is 34 inches
- Head circumference is usually equal to chest circumference by 1-2 years of age
- Toddlers retain a squat and “pot-bellied” appearance because of their less developed abdominal musculature and short legs
- Legs remain slightly bowed or curved because of their relatively large trunk
- Biologic Development
- Sensory Changes
- Visual acuity of 20/40 is acceptable
- Hearing, smell, taste, and touch continue developing
- All senses are used to explore environment
- Sensory Changes
- Maturation of systems
- Internal structures of the ear and throat continue to be short and straight, lymphoid tissue of the tonsils and adenoids continue to be large- otitis media, tonsillitis, and upper respiratory tract infections are common.
- RR and HR slow down, BP increases
- Respirations continue to be abdominal
- Toddler can better maintain body temperature
- Maturing of Renal system serves to conserve fluid under times of stress, decreasing the risk of dehydration
- Voluntary control of elimination is developed
- Defense mechanisms of skin and blood are more efficient in toddlers than in infants
- Colds increase because of their increase in exposure to new pathogens (daycare)
- Rapid growth in neurobehavioral organization contributes to greater regularity of sleep-wake cycles