Over a period of time, accumulates children (4)

I believe the answer is:

tots

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'children' is the definition.
(I know this)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for tots that I've seen before include "Young children - shorts" , "Little children" , "little people" , "Finds the sum" , "Babies" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.