Table of Contents
One of the most dynamic and quick stages of a person’s life is the growth and development of toddlers between the ages of two and six1. Children experience incredible changes in their bodies as well as in their minds, emotions, social skills, language abilities, and ability to solve problems1. Knowing what to prepare for during this crucial phase enables parents and other caregivers to support healthy development, spot problem areas early, and offer caring support that improves wellbeing.
Growth and development occurs in five major stages2:
Growth in childhood is described as an irreversible, continuous increase in size, whereas development is defined as an improvement in motor skills2. Environmental, dietary, and genetic variables play a major role.
Physical growth (height, weight) and brain development including skills and abilities are the fundamental components of normal growth and development of toddler. This evolution takes place in several domains:
Early growth and development of toddlers is more than just physical growth. Neural connections are formed during the first six years of life, laying the groundwork for future learning, behavior and health3.
Age group (years) | Physical Milestones | Language Milestones | Cognitive Milestones | Social Milestones |
| 2 – 3 | Runs, climbs, kicks ball, stack blocks | Uses 2-3 word phrases, follow simple commands, uses gestures | Holds things, begins pretend play | Notices emotions |
| 3 – 4 | Jumps, pedals tricycle, draws circle | Speaks in sentences, asks questions, names actions | Identifies shapes, draws circle, avoids touching hot object | Plays with other children |
| 4 – 6 | Catches ball, skips, hops on one foot, buttons clothes independently | Says sentences with 3-4 words, Tells stories, uses rhymes | Names colors, counts numbers, writes a few letters | Comforts others, follows rules, does simple chores |
Understanding typical development is important because every child grows at their own pace. While milestones give guidelines, there’s a broad range of normal1. Growth patterns are influenced by genetics, nutrition, environmental, health status and emotional support.
Toddlers grow about 2-3 inches in height and gain approximately 4 to 6 pounds per year after age two5.
Neural connections related to language, attention, and executive skills are actively forming1.
Gross and fine motor milestones are continually refined, enabling more complex physical tasks1.
These are essential tools for tracking a child’s physical development over time. These charts plot height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) against age and sex specific percentiles to determine how a child compares to typical growth patterns.
Boys and girls grow differently physiologically, especially in areas like muscle mass and body composition7. This is why pediatricians use separate toddler growth chart for boys and girls.
If a child fails significantly off established growth patterns, further assessment for nutrition or health concerns is recommended.
Consistent good sleep and nutrition are important for normal growth and development of toddlers.
After the age of two, growth often slows down a little, which causes appetite to decline9. When a child just eats white bread or no veggies, parents are frequently concerned. The toddler boy and girl growth chart guidelines state that “food jags” (eating only one type of food) are typically temporary as long as the child is following their curve. In situations where picky eating or reduced appetite makes it difficult to meet daily nutritional needs, parents may consider nutritionally fortified beverages as a supportive addition to a balanced diet. Complan Nutrigro is a milk-based beverage for children which offers 33 vital nutrients and minerals and high-quality, easily absorbed protein than other drinks. It helps in child growth and development by making sure they get enough protein.
Buy Complan Nutrigro on Flipkart!
Including naps, a child between the ages of two and six need about 10 to 13 hours of sleep10. Growth hormone is secreted during sleep, which makes it essential for the growth and development of toddler’s physical systems11.
“Scaffolding” is the most effective way to support all toddler stages of growth and development. This strategy provides them with enough help to do tasks that they are still unable to complete on their own and progressively lowering that help as they gain confidence12. Other ways:
“Red flags” are indicators that a child may require extra help when monitoring the growth and development of toddler. Regression, which occurs when a child abruptly loses a skill they previously learned, like speaking or using bathroom, is one of the main causes of concern. Other signs could be unable to jump by the age of 3, unable to speak simple words by 4, lack of interest in playing with other kids. It’s advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible if your child isn’t meeting these typical toddler stages of growth and development.
The growth and development of toddlers lays the foundation for lifelong health, learning and behavior. Understanding milestones, using toddler boy and girl growth chart and providing proper nutrition with adequate sleep and parental support help ensure normal growth and development of toddler. Early attention to delays allows proper care and better outcome for every child.
1. Colson, E. R., & Dworkin, P. H. (1997). Toddler development. *Pediatrics in Review, 18*(8), 255–259.
2. Balasundaram, P., & Avulakunta, I. D. (2023). Human growth and development. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567767/
3. Meriem, C., Khaoula, M., Ghizlane, C., Asmaa, M. A., & Ahmed, A. O. (2020). Early childhood development (0–6 years old) from healthy to pathologic: A review of the literature. *Open Journal of Medical Psychology, 9*(3), 100–110.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, October 30). Learn the signs. Act early: Developmental milestones. *CDC*. https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html
5. Rogol, A. D., Clark, P. A., & Roemmich, J. N. (2000). Growth and pubertal development in children and adolescents: Effects of diet and physical activity. *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72*(2 Suppl), 521S–528S.
6. Khadilkar, V., & Khadilkar, A. (2011). Growth charts: A diagnostic tool. Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 15 Suppl 3(Suppl3), S166–S171. https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.84854
7. Kirchengast, S. (2010). Gender differences in body composition from childhood to old age: an evolutionary point of view. Journal of Life Sciences, 2(1), 1-10.
8. Khadilkar, V., & Phanse, S. (2012). Growth charts from controversy to consensus. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 16(Suppl 2), S185-S187.
9. American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Nutrition. (2018, April 26). 10 tips for parents of picky eaters. *HealthyChildren.org*.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Picky-Eaters.aspx
10. Paruthi, S., Brooks, L. J., D’Ambrosio, C., Hall, W. A., Kotagal, S., Lloyd, R. M., … & Wise, M. S. (2016). Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: a consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Journal of clinical sleep medicine, 12(6), 785-786.
11. Eastman, C. J., & Lazarus, L. (1973). Growth hormone release during sleep in growth retarded children. Archives of disease in childhood, 48(7), 502.
12. Carranza-Pinedo, V., & Diprossimo, L. (2025). Scaffolding and individuality in early childhood development. Topoi, 44(2), 491-503.
13. Batini, F., D’Autilia, B., Pera, E., Lucchetti, L., & Toti, G. (2020). Reading aloud and first language development: A systematic review. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 8(12), 49-68.
14. World Health Organization. (2019, April 24). To grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more. *World Health Organization*. https://www.who.int/news/item/24-04-2019-to-grow-up-healthy-children-need-to-sit-less-and-play-more
You have clicked on a link which leaves Zydus wellness's website, and you will be redirected to a third party website. Zydus Wellness makes no representations nor has any supervision or control over the quality, content, reliability or security of the third party website, nor shall Zydus / its affiliate be responsible / liable for its use.
