Physical Development

Walking on Tiptoes After Age 2

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines

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Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about walking on tiptoes after age 2, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Toe walking is common and usually harmless in toddlers under 2 who are still experimenting with walking. However, persistent toe walking after age 2 - especially if your child cannot or will not walk with a flat foot when asked - is worth discussing with your pediatrician. Most cases of persistent toe walking are "idiopathic" (no known cause) and resolve with time or simple interventions.

Key takeaways

  • Toe walking is common and usually harmless in toddlers under 2 who are still experimenting with walking. However, persistent toe walking after age 2 - especially if your child cannot or will not walk with a flat foot when asked - is worth discussing with your pediatrician. Most cases of persistent toe walking are "idiopathic" (no known cause) and resolve with time or simple interventions.
  • Usually normal when: Your child is under 2 years old and toe walks intermittently but can and does walk with flat feet.
  • Call your doctor if: Your child suddenly begins toe walking after previously walking normally, as this can indicate a neurological issue that needs prompt evaluation.
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
— Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, CDC guidelines, toe walking is common and usually harmless in toddlers under 2 who are still experimenting with walking. However, persistent toe walking after age 2 - especially if your child cannot or will not walk with a flat foot when asked - is worth discussing with your pediatrician. Most cases of persistent toe walking are "idiopathic" (no known cause) and resolve with time or simple interventions. At 12-18 months, many new walkers spend time on their toes as they are learning to walk. This is considered a normal part of early walking development. Their nervous system is still figuring out the most efficient gait pattern, and toe walking at this stage is not a concern. Most babies will gradually transition to a heel-toe walking pattern as they gain experience. It is generally considered normal when your child is under 2 years old and toe walks intermittently but can and does walk with flat feet. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child suddenly begins toe walking after previously walking normally, as this can indicate a neurological issue that needs prompt evaluation.

Sources: [1], [2]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your child is under 2 years old and toe walks intermittently but can and does walk with flat feet.
Your child suddenly begins toe walking after previously walking normally, as this can indicate a neurological issue that needs prompt evaluation.
Your child goes up on tiptoes when excited or reaching for something, but walks normally the rest of the time.
Your child is toe walking and also showing signs of developmental regression, increasing stiffness, or difficulty with balance and coordination.
Your child has been walking for less than 6 months and is still experimenting with different walking patterns.
Your child is over 2 years old and walks on their toes most or all of the time.
Your child toe walks occasionally but has full ankle flexibility and can squat down flat-footed.
Your child seems unable to put their heels down when walking, even when you ask them to try.

By Age

What to expect by age

12-18 months

Many new walkers spend time on their toes as they are learning to walk. This is considered a normal part of early walking development. Their nervous system is still figuring out the most efficient gait pattern, and toe walking at this stage is not a concern. Most babies will gradually transition to a heel-toe walking pattern as they gain experience.

18-24 months

Some toddlers continue to toe walk intermittently during this period, and it is still within the range of normal. However, you should notice that your toddler is also spending time walking with flat feet. If your toddler exclusively walks on their toes and never puts their heels down, this is worth noting. Most toddlers who are intermittently toe walking at this age will outgrow it.

2-3 years

Persistent toe walking after age 2 is the point at which most pediatricians recommend further evaluation. Your doctor will check whether your child can physically put their heels down (testing ankle flexibility) and may assess for other developmental concerns. In many cases, the cause is idiopathic, meaning there is no underlying neurological condition. Stretching exercises, physical therapy, or special bracing may be recommended.

3+ years

If toe walking continues past age 3, further evaluation is usually recommended. Persistent toe walking can sometimes be associated with tight Achilles tendons, sensory processing differences, or neuromuscular conditions. Your pediatrician may refer to an orthopedist or neurologist. Treatment options include serial casting, physical therapy, and in rare cases, surgical lengthening of the Achilles tendon. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed walking on tiptoes after age 2 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 is over 2 years old and walks on their toes most or all of the time.
  • Mention if your child seems unable to put their heels down when walking, even when you ask them to try.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your child is under 2 years old and toe walks intermittently but can and does walk with flat feet.
  • Your child goes up on tiptoes when excited or reaching for something, but walks normally the rest of the time.
  • Your child has been walking for less than 6 months and is still experimenting with different walking patterns.
  • Your child toe walks occasionally but has full ankle flexibility and can squat down flat-footed.
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child is over 2 years old and walks on their toes most or all of the time.
  • Your child seems unable to put their heels down when walking, even when you ask them to try.
  • You notice that your child's calf muscles seem tighter than expected or they have limited ankle flexibility.
Act now when...
  • Your child suddenly begins toe walking after previously walking normally, as this can indicate a neurological issue that needs prompt evaluation.
  • Your child is toe walking and also showing signs of developmental regression, increasing stiffness, or difficulty with balance and coordination.

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice walking on tiptoes after age 2 — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your child is under 2 years old and toe walks intermittently but can and does walk with flat feet — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 12-18 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 begins toe walking after previously walking normally, as this can indicate a neurological issue that needs prompt evaluation.
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Frequently asked questions

Is walking on tiptoes after age 2 normal?
Toe walking is common and usually harmless in toddlers under 2 who are still experimenting with walking. However, persistent toe walking after age 2 - especially if your child cannot or will not walk with a flat foot when asked - is worth discussing with your pediatrician. Most cases of persistent toe walking are "idiopathic" (no known cause) and resolve with time or simple interventions.
When should I call the doctor about walking on tiptoes after age 2?
Your child suddenly begins toe walking after previously walking normally, as this can indicate a neurological issue that needs prompt evaluation. Your child is toe walking and also showing signs of developmental regression, increasing stiffness, or difficulty with balance and coordination.
When is walking on tiptoes after age 2 normal?
Your child is under 2 years old and toe walks intermittently but can and does walk with flat feet. Your child goes up on tiptoes when excited or reaching for something, but walks normally the rest of the time. Your child has been walking for less than 6 months and is still experimenting with different walking patterns.
What causes walking on tiptoes after age 2?
Toe walking is common and usually harmless in toddlers under 2 who are still experimenting with walking. However, persistent toe walking after age 2 - especially if your child cannot or will not walk with a flat foot when asked - is worth discussing with your pediatrician. Most cases of persistent toe walking are "idiopathic" (no known cause) and resolve with time or simple interventions. Common explanations include: Your child is under 2 years old and toe walks intermittently but can and does walk with flat feet.. Your child goes up on tiptoes when excited or reaching for something, but walks normally the rest of the time..
What should I mention to my pediatrician about walking on tiptoes after age 2?
You should mention walking on tiptoes after age 2 at your next visit if: Your child is over 2 years old and walks on their toes most or all of the time.. Your child seems unable to put their heels down when walking, even when you ask them to try.. You notice that your child's calf muscles seem tighter than expected or they have limited ankle flexibility..
Is walking on tiptoes after age 2 normal at 12-18 months?
Many new walkers spend time on their toes as they are learning to walk. This is considered a normal part of early walking development. Their nervous system is still figuring out the most efficient gait pattern, and toe walking at this stage is not a concern. Most babies will gradually transition to a heel-toe walking pattern as they gain experience.
Is walking on tiptoes after age 2 normal at 18-24 months?
Some toddlers continue to toe walk intermittently during this period, and it is still within the range of normal. However, you should notice that your toddler is also spending time walking with flat feet. If your toddler exclusively walks on their toes and never puts their heels down, this is worth noting. Most toddlers who are intermittently toe walking at this age will outgrow it.
Should I go to the ER for walking on tiptoes after age 2?
Seek emergency care if your child suddenly begins toe walking after previously walking normally, as this can indicate a neurological issue that needs prompt evaluation, or if your child is toe walking and also showing signs of developmental regression, increasing stiffness, or difficulty with balance and coordination. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does walking on tiptoes after age 2 go away on its own?
In many cases, walking on tiptoes after age 2 resolves on its own, especially when your child is under 2 years old and toe walks intermittently but can and does walk with flat feet. By 3+ years, if toe walking continues past age 3, further evaluation is usually recommended. Persistent toe walking can sometimes be associated with tight Achilles tendons, sensory processing differences, or neuromuscular conditions. Your pediatrician may refer to an orthopedist or neurologist. Treatment options include serial casting, physical therapy, and in rare cases, surgical lengthening of the Achilles tendon. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.
AAPCDC

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Toe Walking in Children. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Milestones: Your Child By Two Years. CDC

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Walking on Tiptoes After Age 2.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed walking on tiptoes after age 2 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 is over 2 years old and walks on their toes most or all of the time.
  • Mention if your child seems unable to put their heels down when walking, even when you ask them to try.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your child is over 2 years old and walks on their toes most or all of the time.
  • Your child seems unable to put their heels down when walking, even when you ask them to try.
  • You notice that your child's calf muscles seem tighter than expected or they have limited ankle flexibility.

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child suddenly begins toe walking after previously walking normally, as this can indicate a neurological issue that needs prompt evaluation.
  • Your child is toe walking and also showing signs of developmental regression, increasing stiffness, or difficulty with balance and coordination.

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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Bottom line

Most cases of walking on tiptoes after age 2 are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child suddenly begins toe walking after previously walking normally, as this can indicate a neurological issue that needs prompt 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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