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
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