Height and Weight
Children between 4 and 6 years of age grow at about the same rate they did in the previous two years. The average yearly height increase is 2 ½ to 3 inches (6.4 to 7.6 cm), and the average yearly weight gain is 4 or 5 pounds (1.8 to 2.3 kg). Averages for each year are given in the table below.
| Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Years | 40.7 inches (103 cm) | 36 lbs (16.3 kg) |
| 5 Years | 43.3 inches (110 cm) | 40.5 lbs (18.4 kg) |
| 6 Years | 46 inches (117 cm) | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) |
Proportion and Posture
Between the fourth and seventh birthdays, children’s bodies become straighter and slimmer. Children lose the protruding bellies of early childhood. The shoulders widen and are held more erect. The chest broadens and flattens. The neck and legs lengthen. The arms are held nearer the body when children walk or run because their balance and coordination have improved. Compare the proportion and posture of the two boys below.
