Toddler Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect toddler flat feet (pes planus), here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your baby or toddler has flat feet, which is the normal foot shape at this age
- Call your doctor if: Your child has rigid flat feet (no arch appears even when not standing or on tiptoe) along with pain or stiffness, which could indicate a tarsal coalition or other structural issue
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP guidelines, 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. At 0-12 months, all babies have flat feet. This is entirely normal. The bones and ligaments of the foot are still developing, and a thick fat pad underneath the arch gives the appearance of complete flatness. No evaluation or treatment is needed at this age. It is generally considered normal when your baby or toddler has flat feet, which is the normal foot shape at this age. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has rigid flat feet (no arch appears even when not standing or on tiptoe) along with pain or stiffness, which could indicate a tarsal coalition or other structural issue.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-12 months
All babies have flat feet. This is entirely normal. The bones and ligaments of the foot are still developing, and a thick fat pad underneath the arch gives the appearance of complete flatness. No evaluation or treatment is needed at this age.
12-24 months
New walkers naturally have flat feet. Their foot muscles and ligaments are still strengthening, and the arch is not expected to be visible yet. You may notice your toddler's ankles seem to roll inward slightly, which is also normal at this stage. Barefoot walking on various surfaces actually helps foot development better than supportive shoes.
2-4 years
The arch may begin to become visible, especially when your child stands on tiptoe or when the foot is not bearing weight. However, many children still have flat feet at this age, and this is normal. Flexible flat feet (where the arch appears when not standing but flattens under weight) are almost always benign and do not require treatment.
4-6 years
Most children develop a visible arch by age 6. If your child still has flat feet at this age but they are flexible (the arch appears when sitting or on tiptoe) and painless, they are generally not a concern. Rigid flat feet (where no arch appears even when not bearing weight) or flat feet causing pain should be evaluated by a specialist.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler flat feet (pes planus) 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 complains of foot pain, leg pain, or tires easily during physical activity.
- Mention if only one foot appears significantly flatter than the other.
- 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 or toddler has flat feet, which is the normal foot shape at this age
- The arch appears when your child stands on tiptoe or when the foot is dangling (flexible flat foot)
- Your child walks, runs, and plays without foot or leg pain
- The flat feet are symmetrical, affecting both feet equally
- Your child's ankles roll slightly inward when standing, which is typical for young children
- Your child complains of foot pain, leg pain, or tires easily during physical activity
- Only one foot appears significantly flatter than the other
- Your child is over age 6 and the arches have not begun to develop at all
- Your child walks on the outside edges of their feet or has an unusual gait pattern
- Your child has rigid flat feet (no arch appears even when not standing or on tiptoe) along with pain or stiffness, which could indicate a tarsal coalition or other structural issue
- Your child has a sudden change in foot shape or develops foot pain that limits their ability to walk or play
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler flat feet (pes planus) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby or toddler has flat feet, which is the normal foot shape at this age — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has rigid flat feet (no arch appears even when not standing or on tiptoe) along with pain or stiffness, which could indicate a tarsal coalition or other structural issue.
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 toddler flat feet (pes planus) normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler flat feet (pes planus)?
When is toddler flat feet (pes planus) normal?
What causes toddler flat feet (pes planus)?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler flat feet (pes planus)?
Is toddler flat feet (pes planus) normal at 0-12 months?
Is toddler flat feet (pes planus) normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler flat feet (pes planus)?
Does toddler flat feet (pes planus) go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Flat Feet (Pes Planus).
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler flat feet (pes planus) 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 complains of foot pain, leg pain, or tires easily during physical activity.
- Mention if only one foot appears significantly flatter than the other.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child complains of foot pain, leg pain, or tires easily during physical activity
- Only one foot appears significantly flatter than the other
- Your child is over age 6 and the arches have not begun to develop at all
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child has rigid flat feet (no arch appears even when not standing or on tiptoe) along with pain or stiffness, which could indicate a tarsal coalition or other structural issue
- Your child has a sudden change in foot shape or develops foot pain that limits their ability to walk or play
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 toddler flat feet (pes planus) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has rigid flat feet (no arch appears even when not standing or on tiptoe) along with pain or stiffness, which could indicate a tarsal coalition or other structural issue.
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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