Infant and toddler physical development includes the physical growth and motor skills that occur during the first three years of life. These skills and abilities affect how a child interacts with other people, objects, and the environment. This lesson will further define physical development of infants and toddlers, as well as offer an opportunity to think about the importance of physical development for infants, toddlers, and adults.

Young children rapidly grow, develop and achieve important milestones between birth and age 3, creating the foundation for later growth. Physical development is one domain of infant and toddler development. It relates to changes, growth and skill development with the body, including development of muscles and senses. This lesson will introduce developmental milestones in addition to influences on early physical growth and development.

Physical development provides infants and toddlers with skills and abilities to explore and interact with the world around them. A supportive environment for infants and toddlers should be safe and interesting to encourage movement and exploration. This lesson will provide information on ways to create environments and experiences that support ongoing infant and toddler physical growth and development.

Understanding physical developmental milestones and how to support development throughout the day is an important part of the curriculum for infant and toddler programs. This lesson will provide information on ways infant and toddler caregivers can support ongoing physical growth and development within daily routines.

Caring for infants and toddlers is physically demanding and takes great energy. This lesson will offer further opportunities to think about the ways caregivers can take care of themselves physically in an effort to provide the best care for children in their classroom. The lesson will also share strategies for encouraging healthy habits for infants, toddlers, and their families.