Signs of Ataxia in Babies and Toddlers
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published NIH, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Ataxia refers to wobbly, uncoordinated movements that result from problems with the cerebellum (the brain's coordination center). Signs include an unsteady, wide-based gait, difficulty with precise hand movements, and intention tremor (shaking that worsens when reaching for something). If you notice these signs, evaluation by a pediatric neurologist is important.
Key takeaways
- Ataxia refers to wobbly, uncoordinated movements that result from problems with the cerebellum (the brain's coordination center). Signs include an unsteady, wide-based gait, difficulty with precise hand movements, and intention tremor (shaking that worsens when reaching for something). If you notice these signs, evaluation by a pediatric neurologist is important.
- Usually normal when: Normal age-appropriate unsteadiness in new walkers.
- Call your doctor if: Sudden onset of uncoordinated movements.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to NIH, AAP, CDC guidelines, ataxia refers to wobbly, uncoordinated movements that result from problems with the cerebellum (the brain's coordination center). Signs include an unsteady, wide-based gait, difficulty with precise hand movements, and intention tremor (shaking that worsens when reaching for something). If you notice these signs, evaluation by a pediatric neurologist is important. At 0-6 months, ataxia is difficult to identify this early because babies normally have uncoordinated movements. However, if your baby seems unusually uncoordinated compared to peers, with very jerky or overshooting reaches, mention it to your pediatrician. It is generally considered normal when normal age-appropriate unsteadiness in new walkers. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if sudden onset of uncoordinated movements.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Ataxia is difficult to identify this early because babies normally have uncoordinated movements. However, if your baby seems unusually uncoordinated compared to peers, with very jerky or overshooting reaches, mention it to your pediatrician.
6-12 months
Signs may include a very wobbly sitting posture, difficulty with precise reaching (overshooting or undershooting targets), and tremor that increases when trying to grasp objects. These signs warrant neurological evaluation.
12-18 months
If your child walks, ataxia may present as a very wide-based, staggering gait that looks different from normal early walking unsteadiness. The movements look uncoordinated rather than just inexperienced.
18-36 months
Ataxia at this age may affect walking, running, hand activities, and speech. If your child seems increasingly uncoordinated rather than improving, prompt neurological evaluation is essential to identify the cause.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby overshoots or undershoots when reaching for objects.
- Mention if your baby is significantly more unsteady than peers.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Normal age-appropriate unsteadiness in new walkers.
- Mild uncoordination that is improving over time.
- Brief clumsiness when tired or ill.
- Your baby overshoots or undershoots when reaching for objects.
- Your baby is significantly more unsteady than peers.
- Your child has a tremor that worsens when reaching for things.
- Your child's walking is very staggering and wide-based beyond what is normal.
- Sudden onset of uncoordinated movements.
- Your child has become dramatically more uncoordinated over days or weeks.
- Ataxia is accompanied by headaches, vomiting, or vision changes.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that normal age-appropriate unsteadiness in new walkers — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if sudden onset of uncoordinated movements.
Related Conditions
My Toddler Seems Very Clumsy
Clumsiness is extremely common and normal in toddlers. Their brains are still developing the neural pathways for coordination, spatial awareness, and balance. Most toddlers appear clumsy compared to older children. However, if clumsiness is persistent, severe, or worsening after age 3, it may be worth evaluating for developmental coordination disorder.
My Toddler's Coordination Is Getting Worse
While occasional clumsiness is normal in toddlers who are mastering new skills, coordination that is genuinely worsening over time is a red flag that needs medical evaluation. True deterioration in coordination can indicate neurological conditions, inner ear problems, or other treatable causes. If your child was previously coordinated and is becoming progressively less so, seek prompt medical evaluation.
My Baby Has Tremors
Brief tremors or shaking (especially of the chin, hands, or legs) are very common in newborns and usually completely harmless. They happen because your baby's nervous system is still developing and can be a bit jittery, especially when your baby is crying, cold, or just waking up. Most babies outgrow these tremors by 2-3 months.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers normal?
When should I call the doctor about signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers?
When is signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers normal?
What causes signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers?
Is signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers normal at 0-6 months?
Is signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers?
Does signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Signs of Ataxia in Babies and Toddlers.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby overshoots or undershoots when reaching for objects.
- Mention if your baby is significantly more unsteady than peers.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby overshoots or undershoots when reaching for objects.
- Your baby is significantly more unsteady than peers.
- Your child has a tremor that worsens when reaching for things.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Sudden onset of uncoordinated movements.
- Your child has become dramatically more uncoordinated over days or weeks.
- Ataxia is accompanied by headaches, vomiting, or vision changes.
My notes
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All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of signs of ataxia in babies and toddlers are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if sudden onset of uncoordinated movements.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
My Toddler Seems Very Clumsy
Clumsiness is extremely common and normal in toddlers. Their brains are still developing the neural pathways for coordination, spatial awareness, and balance. Most toddlers appear clumsy compared to older children. However, if clumsiness is persistent, severe, or worsening after age 3, it may be worth evaluating for developmental coordination disorder.
My Toddler's Coordination Is Getting Worse
While occasional clumsiness is normal in toddlers who are mastering new skills, coordination that is genuinely worsening over time is a red flag that needs medical evaluation. True deterioration in coordination can indicate neurological conditions, inner ear problems, or other treatable causes. If your child was previously coordinated and is becoming progressively less so, seek prompt medical evaluation.
My Baby Has Tremors
Brief tremors or shaking (especially of the chin, hands, or legs) are very common in newborns and usually completely harmless. They happen because your baby's nervous system is still developing and can be a bit jittery, especially when your baby is crying, cold, or just waking up. Most babies outgrow these tremors by 2-3 months.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.