My Baby Walks on the Outside of Their Feet
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about walks on the outside of their feet, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Walking on the outside edges of the feet (supination) can be normal in early walkers as they develop balance and foot positioning. However, persistent supination should be evaluated, as it may indicate tight muscles, foot alignment issues, or neurological differences that benefit from early treatment.
Key takeaways
- Walking on the outside edges of the feet (supination) can be normal in early walkers as they develop balance and foot positioning. However, persistent supination should be evaluated, as it may indicate tight muscles, foot alignment issues, or neurological differences that benefit from early treatment.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is a new walker and the foot positioning varies throughout the day.
- Call your doctor if: Your child suddenly starts walking on the outside of their feet after previously walking normally.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, walking on the outside edges of the feet (supination) can be normal in early walkers as they develop balance and foot positioning. However, persistent supination should be evaluated, as it may indicate tight muscles, foot alignment issues, or neurological differences that benefit from early treatment. At 10-14 months, new walkers often experiment with foot positioning, and some walking on the outside edges is normal as your baby figures out how to distribute weight. As long as your baby can also place their feet flat and the position seems to vary, this is part of the learning process. It is generally considered normal when your baby is a new walker and the foot positioning varies throughout the day. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child suddenly starts walking on the outside of their feet after previously walking normally.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
10-14 months
New walkers often experiment with foot positioning, and some walking on the outside edges is normal as your baby figures out how to distribute weight. As long as your baby can also place their feet flat and the position seems to vary, this is part of the learning process.
14-18 months
If your toddler consistently walks on the outside of their feet, watch whether it is improving. Many toddlers gradually develop more neutral foot positioning as they get more practice. If the pattern is constant and not improving, mention it at your next pediatric visit.
18-24 months
Persistent walking on the outside of the feet by this age warrants evaluation. Your pediatrician may refer to a pediatric orthopedist to check foot alignment and ankle mobility. Supportive shoes or orthotics may be recommended if the pattern is affecting balance or causing abnormal wear patterns.
2-3 years
If your child continues to walk on the outer edges of their feet, evaluation is important. Persistent supination can lead to ankle instability and frequent tripping. Treatment may include physical therapy, orthotics, or supportive footwear. Early intervention is effective for most foot alignment issues.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed walks on the outside of their feet and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child consistently walks on the outside of their feet for more than 2-3 months.
- Mention if your child trips or falls frequently and the foot position seems to contribute.
- 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
- Your baby is a new walker and the foot positioning varies throughout the day.
- Your baby can place their feet flat when standing still.
- The pattern is improving over weeks as your baby gets more walking practice.
- Your baby is not tripping or falling more than typical for their age.
- Your child consistently walks on the outside of their feet for more than 2-3 months.
- Your child trips or falls frequently and the foot position seems to contribute.
- Your child's shoes wear down heavily on one side.
- Your child suddenly starts walking on the outside of their feet after previously walking normally.
- Your child has pain in their feet or ankles or refuses to walk.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice walks on the outside of their feet — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is a new walker and the foot positioning varies throughout the day — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 10-14 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 child suddenly starts walking on the outside of their feet after previously walking normally.
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.
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 Walks with a Wide Stance
A wide-based gait (walking with feet wide apart) is completely normal for new walkers. Babies use a wide stance for balance, just as adults would on a rocking boat. Most toddlers naturally narrow their gait by age 2-3 as their balance and coordination improve.
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 walks on the outside of their feet normal?
When should I call the doctor about walks on the outside of their feet?
When is walks on the outside of their feet normal?
What causes walks on the outside of their feet?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about walks on the outside of their feet?
Is walks on the outside of their feet normal at 10-14 months?
Is walks on the outside of their feet normal at 14-18 months?
Should I go to the ER for walks on the outside of their feet?
Does walks on the outside of their feet go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Walks on the Outside of Their Feet.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed walks on the outside of their feet and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child consistently walks on the outside of their feet for more than 2-3 months.
- Mention if your child trips or falls frequently and the foot position seems to contribute.
- 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 child consistently walks on the outside of their feet for more than 2-3 months.
- Your child trips or falls frequently and the foot position seems to contribute.
- Your child's shoes wear down heavily on one side.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child suddenly starts walking on the outside of their feet after previously walking normally.
- Your child has pain in their feet or ankles or refuses to walk.
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 walks on the outside of their feet are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child suddenly starts walking on the outside of their feet after previously walking normally.
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.
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 Walks with a Wide Stance
A wide-based gait (walking with feet wide apart) is completely normal for new walkers. Babies use a wide stance for balance, just as adults would on a rocking boat. Most toddlers naturally narrow their gait by age 2-3 as their balance and coordination improve.
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.