Physical Development
Physical growth begins to slow at around age 1. At the same time, parents may notice a decrease in appetite. Some children seem to eat virtually nothing yet continue to grow and thrive. Children who are beginning to walk have an endearing physique, with the belly sticking forward and the back curved. They may also appear to be quite bow-legged. By 3 years of age, muscle tone increases and the proportion of body fat decreases, so the body begins to look leaner and more muscular. Most children are physically able to control their bowels and bladder at this time.
 See the figure Height and Weight Charts for Boys and Girls.
During the preschool and school years, growth in height and weight is steady. The next major growth spurt occurs in early adolescence. During the years of steady growth, most children follow a predictable pattern. The doctor reports how the child is growing in relation to other children his age and monitors the child's weight gain compared to his height. Some children can become obese at an early age. Doubling the child's height at age 24 months fairly accurately predicts his adult height.
 See the sidebar Toilet Teaching.
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