My Baby Has High Arched Feet
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 has high arched feet, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
High arched feet (pes cavus) are less common than flat feet in babies and should be evaluated. While some families have naturally high arches, in children, pes cavus can occasionally be associated with neurological conditions. A pediatric orthopedist can assess whether the high arches are a benign family trait or warrant further investigation.
Key takeaways
- High arched feet (pes cavus) are less common than flat feet in babies and should be evaluated. While some families have naturally high arches, in children, pes cavus can occasionally be associated with neurological conditions. A pediatric orthopedist can assess whether the high arches are a benign family trait or warrant further investigation.
- Usually normal when: High arches run in the family.
- Call your doctor if: High arches with foot drop or progressive weakness.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, high arched feet (pes cavus) are less common than flat feet in babies and should be evaluated. While some families have naturally high arches, in children, pes cavus can occasionally be associated with neurological conditions. A pediatric orthopedist can assess whether the high arches are a benign family trait or warrant further investigation. At 0-6 months, very high arches in a baby should be mentioned to your pediatrician. They may check family foot structure and assess your baby's neurological development. If high arches run in the family, they may be benign. It is generally considered normal when high arches run in the family. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if high arches with foot drop or progressive weakness.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Very high arches in a baby should be mentioned to your pediatrician. They may check family foot structure and assess your baby's neurological development. If high arches run in the family, they may be benign.
6-12 months
If high arches persist and are accompanied by tight muscles or unusual gait patterns, evaluation by a pediatric orthopedist is recommended. Many children with high arches function perfectly normally.
12-24 months
As your child begins walking, observe whether the high arches affect balance or gait. If your child walks comfortably, high arches may simply be their foot structure. If they have difficulty, supportive shoes may help.
2-4 years
Persistent high arches that are progressing, painful, or affecting walking should be evaluated by a specialist. Conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can present with high arches and deserve early identification.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed has high arched feet and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if high arches are very pronounced.
- Mention if your child has difficulty with balance or shoe fitting.
- 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
- High arches run in the family.
- Your child walks and runs comfortably.
- No pain or balance problems.
- Both feet are equally affected.
- High arches are very pronounced.
- Your child has difficulty with balance or shoe fitting.
- High arches are worsening over time.
- High arches with foot drop or progressive weakness.
- Pain or significant functional limitation.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice has high arched feet — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that high arches run in the family — 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 high arches with foot drop or progressive weakness.
Related Conditions
My Baby Has Flat Feet - Is This Normal?
Flat feet are completely normal in babies and toddlers. Nearly all babies are born with flat feet because a fat pad fills the arch area. Arches typically develop between ages 3-6 as the fat pad decreases and foot muscles strengthen. Most children with flat feet have no symptoms and need no 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.
My Baby Is Walking on Their Toes
Toe walking is extremely common when babies are first learning to walk and is usually nothing to worry about. Up to 5% of children toe walk at some point, and most outgrow it by age 2-3. It only becomes a concern if it persists past age 2 or if your child seems unable (rather than unwilling) to put their feet flat.
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 has high arched feet normal?
When should I call the doctor about has high arched feet?
When is has high arched feet normal?
What causes has high arched feet?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about has high arched feet?
Is has high arched feet normal at 0-6 months?
Is has high arched feet normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for has high arched feet?
Does has high arched feet go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Has High Arched Feet.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed has high arched feet and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if high arches are very pronounced.
- Mention if your child has difficulty with balance or shoe fitting.
- 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
- High arches are very pronounced.
- Your child has difficulty with balance or shoe fitting.
- High arches are worsening over time.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- High arches with foot drop or progressive weakness.
- Pain or significant functional limitation.
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 has high arched feet are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if high arches with foot drop or progressive weakness.
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 Has Flat Feet - Is This Normal?
Flat feet are completely normal in babies and toddlers. Nearly all babies are born with flat feet because a fat pad fills the arch area. Arches typically develop between ages 3-6 as the fat pad decreases and foot muscles strengthen. Most children with flat feet have no symptoms and need no 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.
My Baby Is Walking on Their Toes
Toe walking is extremely common when babies are first learning to walk and is usually nothing to worry about. Up to 5% of children toe walk at some point, and most outgrow it by age 2-3. It only becomes a concern if it persists past age 2 or if your child seems unable (rather than unwilling) to put their feet flat.
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.