14.1: Growth in Early Childhood
- Page ID
- 225498
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- Describe average patterns of physical growth in height and weight during early childhood.
- Explain the purpose and use of standardized growth charts in assessing child development.
- Discuss how changes in body composition and muscle development contribute to improvements in balance, coordination, and physical activity.
Measuring Growth
Between the ages of 3 and 6, children experience steady physical growth, though at a slower pace compared to infancy and toddlerhood. Growth during this period is typically measured in terms of height and weight, providing key indicators of physical development. On average, children grow about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 cm) per year and gain approximately 4 to 5 pounds (1.8 to 2.3 kg) annually. However, growth patterns can vary based on genetics, nutrition, and overall health (Santrock, 2021).
Pediatricians and early childhood professionals use standardized growth charts to track children’s physical development, comparing individual measurements to population norms. These charts, developed by organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), help identify potential growth concerns, such as undernutrition or obesity (De Onis et al., 2019). In addition to height and weight, other indicators, such as body mass index (BMI), head circumference, and muscle development, provide a more comprehensive view of a child's physical growth.
| Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\). CDC Growth Chart for Boys Age 2 to 20 years old. Document found in the public domain. | Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\). CDC Growth Chart for Girls Age 2 to 20 years old. Document found in the public domain. |
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Body Proportions
As children grow from ages 3 to 6, their body proportions undergo significant changes, shifting from the more top-heavy appearance of toddlers to a leaner, more adult-like physique. One of the most noticeable changes is the gradual elongation of the torso and limbs. During infancy and toddlerhood, a child's head is disproportionately large compared to the rest of the body, but as growth continues, the head-to-body ratio becomes more balanced (Berk, 2020).
Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\). Human body proportions at birth, 2 years, 6 years, 12 years, and 19 years old.
Image by Ephert is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
The arms and legs grow longer, and the torso extends, resulting in a more upright and proportionate posture. These changes contribute to improvements in balance and coordination, enabling children to refine their gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and climbing. Muscle development also progresses, with increasing strength in the core and limbs, supporting greater endurance and agility (Gallahue & Donnelly, 2019).
Additionally, the skeletal system continues to mature, with bones lengthening and becoming denser. This period also marks the gradual loss of baby fat, giving children a leaner appearance. The spine straightens, reducing the characteristic toddler "potbelly" as abdominal muscles strengthen. These proportional changes not only reflect physical maturation but also support the child’s increasing independence and ability to engage in complex physical activities (Santrock, 2021).
| Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\). 18-month-old boy. Image by Heather Carter is licensed CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 | Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\). 6-year-old boy. Image by Heather Carter is licensed CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 |
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References, Contributors and Attributions
Berk, L. E. (2020). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Pearson.
De Onis, M., Onyango, A. W., Borghi, E., Siyam, A., Nishida, C., & Siekmann, J. (2019). Development of a WHO growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 85(9), 660-667.
Gallahue, D. L., & Donnelly, F. C. (2019). Developmental physical education for all children (6th ed.). Human Kinetics.
Santrock, J. W. (2021). Children (14th ed.). McGraw Hill.