What happens to a child's growth rate during the preschool years?

During the preschool years, a child's growth rate slows significantly. This is a normal part of child development—after a period of rapid growth during infancy and early childhood, growth patterns typically become more stable and gradual.

Preschool-aged children experience a growth rate where they gain height and weight at a reduced pace compared to their earlier years. During this time, children generally grow about 2 to 3 inches in height each year and gain about 5 pounds annually. This slow and steady growth is crucial as it indicates a child's body is maturing and developing in a balanced manner.

Understanding this pattern is essential for caregivers and healthcare providers to monitor developmental milestones properly and to recognize that a decrease in growth velocity during this stage is standard. Observing these trends helps ensure that children are growing proportionately and supports ongoing assessments of their health and nutritional needs.