My Baby Curls Their Toes
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about curls their toes, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
Key takeaways
- Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
- Usually normal when: Your baby curls their toes when you touch the sole of their foot (plantar grasp reflex) and they are under 12 months.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby's toes are rigidly curled and you cannot gently straighten them, or straightening causes apparent pain.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines, toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician. At 0-6 months, the plantar grasp reflex causes babies to curl their toes when the ball of their foot is pressed. This is a completely normal primitive reflex. You will notice it when your baby is held in a standing position and their feet touch a surface, or when you stroke the sole of their foot. Babies at this age are not weight-bearing, so toe curling has no impact on movement. There is no need for concern unless your baby's toes seem rigidly curled and cannot be gently straightened. It is generally considered normal when your baby curls their toes when you touch the sole of their foot (plantar grasp reflex) and they are under 12 months. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby's toes are rigidly curled and you cannot gently straighten them, or straightening causes apparent pain.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
The plantar grasp reflex causes babies to curl their toes when the ball of their foot is pressed. This is a completely normal primitive reflex. You will notice it when your baby is held in a standing position and their feet touch a surface, or when you stroke the sole of their foot. Babies at this age are not weight-bearing, so toe curling has no impact on movement. There is no need for concern unless your baby's toes seem rigidly curled and cannot be gently straightened.
6-9 months
As babies begin to bear weight on their legs, you might notice toe curling when they stand with support. This is a normal part of figuring out balance and foot positioning. The plantar grasp reflex is beginning to fade during this period. Some babies curl their toes on certain surfaces (cold floors, grass) as a sensory response. If your baby can straighten their toes and the curling is intermittent, this is typical.
9-14 months
The plantar grasp reflex should be fading or gone by this age. Babies who are cruising or beginning to walk may still curl their toes occasionally, especially on unfamiliar surfaces or when feeling unsteady. However, if your baby consistently curls their toes tightly when standing or walking and cannot seem to relax them, mention it at your next appointment. Persistent toe curling can sometimes indicate increased muscle tone in the feet or lower legs.
14+ months
Once your child is walking confidently, their toes should be mostly flat and relaxed during walking. Occasional toe scrunching is still normal, especially in shoes or on textured surfaces. If your toddler always walks with curled toes, has difficulty wearing shoes because of toe curling, or seems to be in discomfort, your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric orthopedist or physical therapist. Tight calf muscles or increased tone can contribute to persistent toe curling.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed curls their toes 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's toes are persistently curled even when relaxed and at rest, and seem difficult to straighten.
- Mention if your toddler always walks with curled toes and never seems to flatten their feet completely.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby curls their toes when you touch the sole of their foot (plantar grasp reflex) and they are under 12 months.
- Your baby occasionally curls their toes when standing on cold, unfamiliar, or textured surfaces.
- Your baby curls their toes when learning to stand or walk but can straighten them when relaxed.
- Your toddler scrunches their toes sometimes in shoes but walks with flat feet most of the time.
- Your baby's toes are persistently curled even when relaxed and at rest, and seem difficult to straighten.
- Your toddler always walks with curled toes and never seems to flatten their feet completely.
- The toe curling is accompanied by stiffness in the ankles or calves.
- Your baby's toes are rigidly curled and you cannot gently straighten them, or straightening causes apparent pain.
- Toe curling is accompanied by progressive stiffness in the legs, changes in walking pattern, or loss of previously achieved motor skills.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice curls their toes — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby curls their toes when you touch the sole of their foot (plantar grasp reflex) and they are under 12 months — 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 your baby's toes are rigidly curled and you cannot gently straighten them, or straightening causes apparent pain.
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 curls their toes normal?
When should I call the doctor about curls their toes?
When is curls their toes normal?
What causes curls their toes?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about curls their toes?
Is curls their toes normal at 0-6 months?
Is curls their toes normal at 6-9 months?
Should I go to the ER for curls their toes?
Does curls their toes go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Movement Milestones: 8 to 12 Months. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Palpalano S. Primitive Reflexes in the Newborn. Pediatrics in Review. 2017. AAP
- [3]Mayo Clinic. Infant Development: Milestones from 10 to 12 Months. Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Curls Their Toes.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed curls their toes 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's toes are persistently curled even when relaxed and at rest, and seem difficult to straighten.
- Mention if your toddler always walks with curled toes and never seems to flatten their feet completely.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby's toes are persistently curled even when relaxed and at rest, and seem difficult to straighten.
- Your toddler always walks with curled toes and never seems to flatten their feet completely.
- The toe curling is accompanied by stiffness in the ankles or calves.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby's toes are rigidly curled and you cannot gently straighten them, or straightening causes apparent pain.
- Toe curling is accompanied by progressive stiffness in the legs, changes in walking pattern, or loss of previously achieved motor skills.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of curls their toes are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby's toes are rigidly curled and you cannot gently straighten them, or straightening causes apparent pain.
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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