My Toddler Falls Down a Lot
The short answer
Falling is a completely normal part of learning to walk and run, and most toddlers fall frequently in the first 6 months after they start walking. A new walker may fall dozens of times per day and that's expected. Falling typically decreases significantly by around 18-24 months of walking experience. It only becomes a concern if falling increases over time rather than decreasing, or if it seems out of proportion compared to peers.
By Age
What to expect by age
New walkers fall constantly - research shows that toddlers who just started walking may take 2,000+ steps and fall 17+ times per hour. Their wide-based, stiff-legged gait is normal for beginners. Every fall teaches their brain about balance. This is absolutely expected and not a reason for concern.
Falling should be gradually decreasing as your toddler gains experience. Their gait is narrowing and they're getting better at navigating obstacles and uneven surfaces. Falls still happen regularly, especially when they're tired, excited, or on unfamiliar terrain. If falling seems to be increasing or staying the same, mention it at your next visit.
Most toddlers are fairly steady walkers by now, though they still trip and fall, especially when running or climbing. If your toddler is still very unsteady at this age and falls much more than peers, or if they seem to fall in unusual ways (like their legs giving out), it's worth discussing with your pediatrician.
By age 2-3, children should walk confidently and fall only occasionally. If your child still falls very frequently, seems unusually clumsy, or has difficulty with stairs, running, or kicking a ball, an evaluation can help determine whether there are balance, coordination, or muscle tone factors that would benefit from physical therapy support.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child just started walking in the last 3-6 months - frequent falling is completely typical for new walkers.
- Your toddler falls more when tired, sick, or in a new environment - situational falling is normal.
- Your toddler falls while running or climbing but walks steadily - they're pushing their limits, which is how they learn.
- Falling is gradually decreasing over weeks and months - the trend is what matters.
- Your toddler trips on uneven surfaces, carpet edges, or going up/down slopes - these are tricky for everyone at first.
- Your toddler has been walking for more than 6 months and is still very unsteady.
- Falling seems to be increasing rather than decreasing over time.
- Your toddler falls much more frequently than same-age peers.
- Your toddler seems to fall in unusual ways - legs giving out, falling backward, or falling only to one side.
- Your toddler was walking well and has become suddenly more unsteady or has started falling frequently - any regression in motor skills warrants prompt evaluation.
- Frequent falling is accompanied by complaints of leg or foot pain, limping, or refusal to walk.
- Your toddler seems dizzy, has changes in eye movement, or falling is accompanied by other neurological concerns like headaches or vomiting.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
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.
My Baby Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.