Physical Development

My Baby's Feet Turn In or Out When Walking

Content reviewed against published AAP, OrthoInfo (AAOS), NIH guidelines

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Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about feet turn in or out when walking, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

It is very common for babies and toddlers to walk with their feet turning inward (in-toeing or "pigeon-toed") or outward (out-toeing). In the vast majority of cases, these foot positions are normal developmental variations that correct on their own as the child grows. In-toeing is the most common and usually resolves by age 8. However, if the foot position is rigid, only affects one side, causes pain, or worsens over time, evaluation by a pediatrician or orthopedist is recommended.

Key takeaways

  • It is very common for babies and toddlers to walk with their feet turning inward (in-toeing or "pigeon-toed") or outward (out-toeing). In the vast majority of cases, these foot positions are normal developmental variations that correct on their own as the child grows. In-toeing is the most common and usually resolves by age 8. However, if the foot position is rigid, only affects one side, causes pain, or worsens over time, evaluation by a pediatrician or orthopedist is recommended.
  • Usually normal when: Both feet turn in or out symmetrically and the position is flexible — the foot can be gently moved to a normal position.
  • Call your doctor if: Your newborn has a foot that is rigidly turned inward and downward and cannot be gently straightened — this may be clubfoot and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation.
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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By Age

What to expect by age

0-6 months

Newborn feet often appear curved inward due to their position in the womb. Metatarsus adductus — where the front part of the foot curves inward — is the most common foot deformity in newborns and affects about 1 in 1,000 babies. Most cases are flexible (the foot can be gently straightened) and resolve without treatment by 6-12 months. Rigid metatarsus adductus that cannot be straightened may need serial casting. Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), where the foot is turned sharply inward and downward, is a different condition that requires early treatment and is typically identified at birth or on prenatal ultrasound.

6-18 months

As babies begin pulling to stand and cruising, you may notice their feet point outward — this is very common and provides a wider base of support for new walkers. Mild out-toeing in early walkers typically resolves within 6-12 months of walking. Internal tibial torsion (inward twist of the shinbone) may become apparent as babies start walking, causing in-toeing. This is one of the most common causes of in-toeing in this age group and almost always self-corrects. There is no evidence that special shoes, braces, or orthotics help with normal rotational variations.

18-36 months

Femoral anteversion — an inward twist of the thighbone — is the most common cause of in-toeing in children ages 2 and older. Children with this may prefer W-sitting and may trip more often. This condition typically peaks around ages 3-6 and improves through late childhood. Out-toeing that persists beyond age 2 or worsens should be evaluated. If your child has pain, limping, stiffness, or if only one foot is affected, see your pediatrician to rule out conditions like hip dysplasia or other orthopedic problems.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Both feet turn in or out symmetrically and the position is flexible — the foot can be gently moved to a normal position.
  • Your early walker has mild out-toeing that provides stability while learning to walk.
  • Your toddler is in-toeing but walks and runs without pain, limping, or frequent falling.
Mention at your next visit when...
  • The foot position seems to be getting worse rather than better over time.
  • Your child trips or falls significantly more than peers or avoids walking and running.
  • Only one foot is affected, or the two feet have very different positions.
Act now when...
  • Your newborn has a foot that is rigidly turned inward and downward and cannot be gently straightened — this may be clubfoot and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation.
  • Your child has sudden onset of foot or leg pain, limping, or refusal to walk — seek same-day medical evaluation.
  • Your child's foot position is associated with leg length discrepancy, hip pain, or back pain — see your pediatrician promptly.

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby's Feet Turn In or Out When Walking.

Things to mention

  • The foot position seems to be getting worse rather than better over time.
  • Your child trips or falls significantly more than peers or avoids walking and running.
  • Only one foot is affected, or the two feet have very different positions.

Observations to share

  • The foot position seems to be getting worse rather than better over time.
  • Your child trips or falls significantly more than peers or avoids walking and running.
  • Only one foot is affected, or the two feet have very different positions.

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your newborn has a foot that is rigidly turned inward and downward and cannot be gently straightened — this may be clubfoot and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation.
  • Your child has sudden onset of foot or leg pain, limping, or refusal to walk — seek same-day medical evaluation.
  • Your child's foot position is associated with leg length discrepancy, hip pain, or back pain — see your pediatrician promptly.

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

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.

My Baby Isn't Standing Independently

Independent standing - letting go and balancing without holding anything - typically happens between 9 and 14 months, with many babies not mastering it until around 12 months. Standing independently requires tremendous balance and confidence, and it's one of those skills that often clicks suddenly after weeks of almost-but-not-quite moments.

Signs of Gross Motor Delay in My Baby

Gross motor delays involve a baby or toddler being significantly behind in developing large-body movements such as rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling to stand, and walking. While there is a wide range of normal for when children reach these milestones, consistently missing multiple milestones or being very late on key ones may indicate an underlying condition. Early evaluation and intervention with physical therapy can significantly improve outcomes.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

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 in or out when walking normal?
It is very common for babies and toddlers to walk with their feet turning inward (in-toeing or "pigeon-toed") or outward (out-toeing). In the vast majority of cases, these foot positions are normal developmental variations that correct on their own as the child grows. In-toeing is the most common and usually resolves by age 8. However, if the foot position is rigid, only affects one side, causes pain, or worsens over time, evaluation by a pediatrician or orthopedist is recommended.
When should I call the doctor about feet turn in or out when walking?
Your newborn has a foot that is rigidly turned inward and downward and cannot be gently straightened — this may be clubfoot and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation. Your child has sudden onset of foot or leg pain, limping, or refusal to walk — seek same-day medical evaluation. Your child's foot position is associated with leg length discrepancy, hip pain, or back pain — see your pediatrician promptly.
When is feet turn in or out when walking normal?
Both feet turn in or out symmetrically and the position is flexible — the foot can be gently moved to a normal position. Your early walker has mild out-toeing that provides stability while learning to walk. Your toddler is in-toeing but walks and runs without pain, limping, or frequent falling.
What causes feet turn in or out when walking?
It is very common for babies and toddlers to walk with their feet turning inward (in-toeing or "pigeon-toed") or outward (out-toeing). In the vast majority of cases, these foot positions are normal developmental variations that correct on their own as the child grows. In-toeing is the most common and usually resolves by age 8. However, if the foot position is rigid, only affects one side, causes pain, or worsens over time, evaluation by a pediatrician or orthopedist is recommended. Common explanations include: Both feet turn in or out symmetrically and the position is flexible — the foot can be gently moved to a normal position.. Your early walker has mild out-toeing that provides stability while learning to walk..
What should I mention to my pediatrician about feet turn in or out when walking?
You should mention feet turn in or out when walking at your next visit if: The foot position seems to be getting worse rather than better over time.. Your child trips or falls significantly more than peers or avoids walking and running.. Only one foot is affected, or the two feet have very different positions..
Is feet turn in or out when walking normal at 0-6 months?
Newborn feet often appear curved inward due to their position in the womb. Metatarsus adductus — where the front part of the foot curves inward — is the most common foot deformity in newborns and affects about 1 in 1,000 babies. Most cases are flexible (the foot can be gently straightened) and resolve without treatment by 6-12 months. Rigid metatarsus adductus that cannot be straightened may need serial casting. Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), where the foot is turned sharply inward and downward, is a different condition that requires early treatment and is typically identified at birth or on prenatal ultrasound.
Is feet turn in or out when walking normal at 6-18 months?
As babies begin pulling to stand and cruising, you may notice their feet point outward — this is very common and provides a wider base of support for new walkers. Mild out-toeing in early walkers typically resolves within 6-12 months of walking. Internal tibial torsion (inward twist of the shinbone) may become apparent as babies start walking, causing in-toeing. This is one of the most common causes of in-toeing in this age group and almost always self-corrects. There is no evidence that special shoes, braces, or orthotics help with normal rotational variations.
Should I go to the ER for feet turn in or out when walking?
Seek emergency care if your newborn has a foot that is rigidly turned inward and downward and cannot be gently straightened — this may be clubfoot and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation, or if your child has sudden onset of foot or leg pain, limping, or refusal to walk — seek same-day medical evaluation. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does feet turn in or out when walking go away on its own?
In many cases, feet turn in or out when walking resolves on its own, especially when both feet turn in or out symmetrically and the position is flexible — the foot can be gently moved to a normal position. By 18-36 months, femoral anteversion — an inward twist of the thighbone — is the most common cause of in-toeing in children ages 2 and older. Children with this may prefer W-sitting and may trip more often. This condition typically peaks around ages 3-6 and improves through late childhood. Out-toeing that persists beyond age 2 or worsens should be evaluated. If your child has pain, limping, stiffness, or if only one foot is affected, see your pediatrician to rule out conditions like hip dysplasia or other orthopedic problems.
AAPORTHOINFO (AAOS)NIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics — Pigeon Toes (Intoeing) AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons — Intoeing in Children OrthoInfo (AAOS)
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine — Metatarsus Adductus NIH

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Resources

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Bottom line

Most cases of feet turn in or out when walking are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your newborn has a foot that is rigidly turned inward and downward and cannot be gently straightened — this may be clubfoot and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation.

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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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.

My Baby Isn't Standing Independently

Independent standing - letting go and balancing without holding anything - typically happens between 9 and 14 months, with many babies not mastering it until around 12 months. Standing independently requires tremendous balance and confidence, and it's one of those skills that often clicks suddenly after weeks of almost-but-not-quite moments.

Signs of Gross Motor Delay in My Baby

Gross motor delays involve a baby or toddler being significantly behind in developing large-body movements such as rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling to stand, and walking. While there is a wide range of normal for when children reach these milestones, consistently missing multiple milestones or being very late on key ones may indicate an underlying condition. Early evaluation and intervention with physical therapy can significantly improve outcomes.

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