Complete Guide to Average Height And Weight For Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 1-5)

In this guide, we'll walk you through the average height and weight for toddlers and preschoolers between ages 1 and 5, and share practical strategies around nutrition, sleep, and movement that promote healthy growth and development. Because for children during this age, growth isn't a race; it's a rhythm. And when you understand it, you can support it with confidence.

* Note: The chart below mentions averages, not absolutes.

Key Takeaways

• Toddlers and preschoolers grow at a steady but varied pace, with normal differences from child to child.

• Growth is influenced by genetics, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and overall health.

• Parents can support healthy growth through balanced meals, active play, structured sleep routines, and regular pediatric check-ups.

• Tracking a child's growth curve over time is more important than meeting an exact number on a chart.

Average Height and Weight for Toddlers (Age 1-2)

Between ages 1 and 2, children move from the rapid growth of infancy to a steadier, more predictable pattern. Their bodies lengthen gradually, and mobility increases as they begin to cruise, walk, and explore independently. These developmental leaps naturally influence their height, weight, and overall growth rhythm.

* The data is sourced from Disabled World.

Average height and weight for 1 year olds

Around the first birthday, most children begin settling into a stable growth pace. Standing, taking first steps, or climbing helps them build early muscle strength while gradually shaping their body proportions. Remember that each toddler grows at their own pace depending on genetics, nutrition, and daily activity levels.

• 1-year-old girls: The average height is about 29.2 inches (74.1 cm), and the average weight is 20.4 lbs (9.25 kg).

• 1-year-old boys: The average height is around 29.8 inches (75.7 cm), and the average weight is 21.3 lbs (9.66 kg).

Average height and weight for 2 year olds

By age two, toddlers typically show fixed, consistent progress in height and weight as they gain confidence in walking, running, and exploring their environment. Some may grow only a few inches and pounds compared to the previous year, which is completely normal. What matters most here is that they continue following their own growth curve over time.

• 2-year-old girls: They are around 33.7 inches (85.5 cm) and typically weigh 26.5 lbs (12.02 kg).

• 2-year-old boys: They usually measure 34.2 inches (86.8 cm) and weigh about 27.5 lbs (12.47 kg).

Average Height and Weight for Preschoolers (Age 3-5)

Unlike the rapid changes of infancy or the big mobility milestones of toddlerhood, preschoolers typically gain 2-3 inches and 4 to 5 pounds each year. This stage focuses on refining motor skills, building coordination, strengthening bones, and forming long-term nutrition and activity habits that shape healthy growth.

* The data is sourced from Disabled World.

Average height and weight for 3 year olds

At age three, most children show noticeable increases in coordination like running more smoothly, climbing confidently, and participating in activities that require balance and control. These physical developments go hand-in-hand with gradual growth in height and weight.

• 3-year-old girls: They typically measure 37.0 inches (94 cm) and weigh about 31.5 lbs (14.29 kg).

• 3-year-old boys: The average height is 37.5 inches (95.2 cm), and the average weight is 31.0 lbs (14.06 kg).

Average height and weight for 4 year olds

Four-year-olds often experience a small growth spurt as their legs lengthen and their body proportions start to look more "childlike" rather than toddler-like. Many children also become more active through preschool or play-based learning, which supports healthy bone and muscle development.

• 4-year-old girls: They reach an average height of 40.3 inches (102.3 cm) and weigh approximately 36.0 lbs (16.33 kg).

• 4-year-old boys: They average about 40.5 inches (102.9 cm) and weigh 35 lbs (15.88 kg).

Average height and weight for 5 year olds

By age five, children continue gaining strength and coordination, and their growth remains steady. This is also when healthy daily routines, such as sleep, nutrition, hydration, and outdoor activity, start playing a big role in promoting their long-term growth potential.

• 5-year-old girls: They reach about 42.5 inches (107.9 cm) and weigh 39.5 lbs (17.92 kg).

• 5-year-old boys: The average height is 43.0 inches (109.2 cm), and boys at this age typically weigh 40.5 lbs (18.37 kg).

Now that you know what's typical, let's look at what drives these patterns.

Factors that Affect the Average Height and Weight for Toddlers and Preschoolers

A child's growth between ages 1 and 5 is shaped by key influences that work together like pieces of a puzzle. While some are beyond your control, understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions to support your little one's development during these critical years.

Genetics

Genetics is one of the most significant factors determining your child's growth potential. If you and your partner are both on the taller side, chances are your child will follow suit. But here's the important part: genetics alone doesn't dictate everything. While your child's DNA sets the framework for their maximum growth potential, environmental factors like nutrition, physical activity, and sleep play crucial roles in whether they actually reach that potential.

Nutrition

Building on genetics, nutrition contributes to a vital part in helping children reach their growth potential. Essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D provide the raw materials needed for bone formation, muscle development, and healthy weight gain [1].

If your toddler or preschooler is a picky eater or has dietary restrictions that make it challenging to meet their nutritional needs, age-appropriate multivitamins can help fill nutritional gaps. However, supplements should complement, not replace, a balanced diet. Always consult with your pediatrician before starting any supplement regimen.

Physical activity

Alongside good nutrition, regular physical activity is a must in promoting healthy length and weight development. When toddlers and preschoolers engage in active play, they strengthen their bones, build muscle mass, improve coordination, and support a balanced metabolism.

Active children tend to maintain healthier growth patterns because movement stimulates bone growth and helps the body use the nutrients it receives more effectively. Plus, physical activity improves appetite regulation, encouraging healthy eating habits.

Sleep

Sleep works hand-in-hand with nutrition and activity to support steady growth. When children are well-rested, they have better appetites, more energy for physical activity, and better mood regulation, all of which contribute to healthy development.

Importantly, when your children are in a deep sleep, their body releases growth hormone, which drives bone and tissue development. Without consistent, high-quality sleep, this natural process is disrupted, potentially affecting height and weight over time.

Health conditions

Certain medical or developmental conditions like hormonal imbalances, chronic illnesses, digestive issues, or genetic conditions affecting bone structure may impact growth patterns. These cases are less common, but they highlight why monitoring growth trends, and not just single measurements, is important.

If your child falls off their established growth curve, experiences no weight gain for 6+ months, or shows other concerning signs, your pediatrician can investigate whether an underlying condition might be affecting growth. The good news is that many of these issues can be managed effectively when caught early.

Tips for Promoting Healthy Growth for Kids Ages 1-5

Now that you understand what influences your child's growth, let's turn that knowledge into action. While you can't change genetics or prevent every health issue, daily habits can significantly support height growth and weight gain. The following strategies fit naturally into family routines and make a real difference over time.

Provide a nutrient-dense diet

Since nutrition provides the building blocks for growth, focus on creating meals rich in the essential nutrients discussed earlier. The goal isn't perfection but consistency. Even picky eaters can get adequate nutrition when parents keep offering diverse, healthy options.

Offer calcium-rich foods daily

🥛 Whole milk (until age 2, then transition to low-fat) with meals.

🧈 Yogurt tubes or pouches for easy snacking.

🧀 Cheese cubes or string cheese.

🌾 Fortified plant-based milk alternatives if dairy-free.

Note: Toddlers need about 700mg of calcium daily; preschoolers need 1,000mg.

Add protein to every meal

🥚 Scrambled or mashed eggs for breakfast.

🧈 Nut butter spread thinly on whole-grain toast (cut into strips for toddlers).

🍲 Well-cooked beans mashed into soup or quesadillas.

🧆 Shredded chicken in pasta or rice, or small meatballs.

Note: Toddlers need about 13g of protein daily; preschoolers need 13-19g.

Choose whole grains

• Swap white bread for soft whole wheat bread

• Offer oatmeal or whole grain cereals (look for less than 6g of sugar per serving)

• Try whole wheat pasta shapes

• Mix white rice with brown rice

Note: Avoid hard, crunchy whole grains for younger toddlers who are still developing chewing skills.

Make produce appealing and safe

• Cut fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces or fun shapes using cookie cutters

• Steam or roast harder vegetables (e.g, carrots, broccoli)

• Offer dips like hummus, yogurt, or ranch in small containers.

Don't stress if your child refuses foods multiple times, as research shows it can take about 10 exposures before a child accepts a new food [2]. Keep offering without pressure, and consider involving your child in age-appropriate food preparation to increase interest.

Encourage physical activities and playtime

To complement good nutrition, prioritize daily movement that strengthens your child's bones and muscles. Remember, young children need at least 3 hours of physical activity spread throughout each day. The beauty of this age group is that "exercise" just means play-no gym membership required!

How to keep toddlers moving?

• Create safe spaces for crawling, cruising, and early walking.

• Play music and encourage dancing and movement.

• Roll balls back and forth.

• Visit playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment.

• Play simple chase or hide-and-seek games.

• Stack and knock down blocks or toys.

• Practice walking on different surfaces (grass, sand, soft mats).

How to keep preschoolers active?

• Schedule regular playground visits for climbing, swinging, and sliding

• Organize active games like tag, red light/green light, or Simon Says

• Provide ride-on toys like tricycles, scooters, or balance bikes

• Set up obstacle courses in your yard or living room

• Play ball games (kicking, throwing, catching)

• Try family dance parties or kid-friendly yoga

• Encourage imaginative play (pretending to be animals, superheroes, etc.)

Note: Limit sedentary screen time to no more than 1 hour per day for ages 2-5, and avoid screens entirely for children under 2 (except video chatting). Too much screen time can displace physical activity and negatively affect sleep, both of which impact their growth [3].

Ensure enough sleep

Because sleep supports the release of growth hormone, creating a calm, predictable bedtime routine is one of the most valuable things you can do for your child's development.

How much sleep do your children need?

• Toddlers (1-2 years): Most still need 1-2 naps per day. As they approach age 2, they may transition to one afternoon nap. The total sleep is about 11-14 hours per 24 hours.

• Preschoolers (3-5 years): Many drop naps during this age. But if your child still naps, keep it short (1-1.5 hours) and not too late (aim for before 3 PM). The total sleep is about 10-13 hours per 24 hours.

How to set up healthy sleep habits?

• Establish a consistent bedtime and wake time on weekdays and weekends.

• Start the bedtime routine 30-60 minutes before sleep with calming activities like a warm bath, brushing teeth, reading books, or quiet songs.

• Keep the room cool (65-70°F), dark (use blackout curtains if needed), and quiet. Remove or turn off screens, toys with lights, and other distractions.

• Turn off all screens at least 1 hour before bedtime. The blue light from devices suppresses melatonin production and makes falling asleep harder.

• Young children who get overtired actually have more trouble falling asleep. If bedtime battles are common, try moving bedtime 15-30 minutes earlier.

• Many toddlers and preschoolers still wake at night occasionally. Respond calmly and consistently, helping them return to sleep without creating new dependencies.

Maintain regular pediatric check-ups

Routine doctor visits ensure your children are progressing along their expected growth curve. Pediatricians can identify concerns early, track trends over time, and provide personalized guidance on nutrition, sleep, or activity. These check-ups also connect all the previous tips by keeping growth patterns on track.

Remember, growth charts show averages, not requirements. Your pediatrician evaluates your child's growth pattern over time, not just where they land on a single day. Some children are naturally petite while others are bigger and sturdier. Both can be perfectly healthy as long as they're growing steadily along their own curve.

In Conclusion,

Understanding the average height and weight for toddlers and preschoolers provides a helpful reference point, but it's only one part of the bigger picture. Children between the ages 1 and 5 grow at their own pace, shaped by a unique combination of genetics, nutrition, sleep, activity levels, and their well-being. Some may experience slow, steady progress, while others grow in quick bursts; both patterns can still be completely normal.

What matters most is consistent growth over time, not matching a specific number on a chart. Parents can support their healthy growth by offering nutrient-rich meals, encouraging active play, maintaining good sleep routines, and keeping up with regular pediatric check-ups. These daily, healthy habits help children build strong bones, develop healthy muscles, and maintain steady growth throughout the early years.

References

[1] Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. (n.d.). Parents' guide to building better bones. https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/health-concerns-about-dairy/parents-guide-to-building-better-bones

[2] Spill M, Callahan E, Johns K, et al. Repeated Exposure to Foods and Early Food Acceptance: A Systematic Review [Internet]. Alexandria (VA): USDA Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review; 2019 Apr. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REPEATED EXPOSURE (TIMING, QUANTITY, AND FREQUENCY) TO FOODS AND EARLY FOOD ACCEPTANCE? Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582166/

[3] American Psychological Association. (2020, April). What do we really know about kids and screens? Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/cover-kids-screens

Related posts

• Average Height and Weight for Children

• Vegan height growth supplements