My Baby's Feet Turn Outward (Out-Toeing)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about feet turn outward (out-toeing), here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Out-toeing (feet pointing outward) is common in babies and toddlers and usually resolves on its own. It is often caused by the position of the legs in the womb. Most children outgrow out-toeing by age 2-3. If it persists, worsens, causes tripping, or affects only one foot, evaluation is recommended.
Key takeaways
- Out-toeing (feet pointing outward) is common in babies and toddlers and usually resolves on its own. It is often caused by the position of the legs in the womb. Most children outgrow out-toeing by age 2-3. If it persists, worsens, causes tripping, or affects only one foot, evaluation is recommended.
- Usually normal when: Both feet are equally affected.
- Call your doctor if: Sudden onset of out-toeing.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, out-toeing (feet pointing outward) is common in babies and toddlers and usually resolves on its own. It is often caused by the position of the legs in the womb. Most children outgrow out-toeing by age 2-3. If it persists, worsens, causes tripping, or affects only one foot, evaluation is recommended. At 0-6 months, external rotation of the feet and legs is common in babies and often related to womb positioning. As your baby grows and becomes more active, the rotation typically decreases. It is generally considered normal when both feet are equally affected. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if sudden onset of out-toeing.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
External rotation of the feet and legs is common in babies and often related to womb positioning. As your baby grows and becomes more active, the rotation typically decreases.
6-12 months
As your baby starts standing and cruising, you may notice the feet pointing outward. This is common and usually resolves as leg muscles strengthen and the bones gradually rotate inward to their normal adult position.
12-24 months
Mild out-toeing when walking is common in new walkers. If it is getting better over time and your child walks comfortably, no treatment is needed. Significant out-toeing that causes tripping should be evaluated.
2-4 years
Most out-toeing resolves by age 3. If it persists, especially on one side, or if your child has flat feet, hip pain, or difficulty running, a pediatric orthopedist can evaluate.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed feet turn outward (out-toeing) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if out-toeing is only on one side.
- Mention if out-toeing is worsening.
- 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
- Both feet are equally affected.
- Out-toeing is improving over time.
- Your child walks comfortably.
- There is no pain or limping.
- Out-toeing is only on one side.
- Out-toeing is worsening.
- Your child trips frequently due to foot position.
- Sudden onset of out-toeing.
- Pain, limping, or refusal to walk alongside out-toeing.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice feet turn outward (out-toeing) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that both feet are equally affected — 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 out-toeing.
Related Conditions
My Baby Walks Pigeon-Toed
Walking with toes pointed inward (pigeon-toed or in-toeing) is very common in babies and toddlers and is usually nothing to worry about. It often corrects itself as your child grows and their bones and muscles develop. Most kids outgrow it by age 8 without any treatment.
My Baby's Foot Turns Inward
Metatarsus adductus (foot that curves inward) is common, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies. Most cases are positional from womb positioning and resolve on their own by age 1 without treatment. More rigid cases may benefit from stretching exercises or, rarely, casting. Your pediatrician can assess the flexibility of the foot.
Toddler Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Flat feet in babies and toddlers are completely normal. All babies are born with flat feet because the arch has not yet developed, and a fat pad fills the arch area. The arch gradually forms between ages 3-6, and most children develop normal arches without any treatment or special shoes.
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 feet turn outward (out-toeing) normal?
When should I call the doctor about feet turn outward (out-toeing)?
When is feet turn outward (out-toeing) normal?
What causes feet turn outward (out-toeing)?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about feet turn outward (out-toeing)?
Is feet turn outward (out-toeing) normal at 0-6 months?
Is feet turn outward (out-toeing) normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for feet turn outward (out-toeing)?
Does feet turn outward (out-toeing) go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby's Feet Turn Outward (Out-Toeing).
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed feet turn outward (out-toeing) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if out-toeing is only on one side.
- Mention if out-toeing is worsening.
- 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
- Out-toeing is only on one side.
- Out-toeing is worsening.
- Your child trips frequently due to foot position.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Sudden onset of out-toeing.
- Pain, limping, or refusal to walk alongside out-toeing.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of feet turn outward (out-toeing) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if sudden onset of out-toeing.
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 Baby Walks Pigeon-Toed
Walking with toes pointed inward (pigeon-toed or in-toeing) is very common in babies and toddlers and is usually nothing to worry about. It often corrects itself as your child grows and their bones and muscles develop. Most kids outgrow it by age 8 without any treatment.
My Baby's Foot Turns Inward
Metatarsus adductus (foot that curves inward) is common, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies. Most cases are positional from womb positioning and resolve on their own by age 1 without treatment. More rigid cases may benefit from stretching exercises or, rarely, casting. Your pediatrician can assess the flexibility of the foot.
Toddler Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Flat feet in babies and toddlers are completely normal. All babies are born with flat feet because the arch has not yet developed, and a fat pad fills the arch area. The arch gradually forms between ages 3-6, and most children develop normal arches without any treatment or special shoes.
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.