Final answer:
A toddler typically grows about 5 inches in height per year, with the preschool years showing growth of about 2 to 3 inches per year.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the rate of growth in height for a toddler during the early years of life. During the toddler years, growth in height continues, albeit at a slower pace compared to the infancy stage. According to the referenced materials, during the preschool years, which follow the toddler years, children typically grow about 5.1 to 7.6 cm (2 to 3 inches) per year.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question regarding how many inches a toddler grows in height per year would be option C, which is 5 inches. This slower rate of growth in height is still part of the natural progression as toddlers develop and increase in size.