My Baby Walks Pigeon-Toed
The short answer
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.
By Age
What to expect by age
Many babies who are just learning to walk have an in-toeing gait. This is often because their leg bones or feet are still curved from how they were positioned in the womb. As long as your baby is walking, bearing weight evenly on both legs, and not in pain, this is typically just part of normal development. Most early walkers grow out of it within a year or two.
In-toeing is still very common at this age. Your toddler might trip over their own feet sometimes, but as long as they're walking confidently and the in-toeing is equal on both sides, there's usually no need for intervention. Special shoes, braces, and inserts used to be prescribed for this, but research has shown they don't actually speed up the natural correction process.
Many children gradually straighten out during these years. If your child is still very pigeon-toed at age 6-7, especially if it's interfering with running, sports, or causing frequent falls, mention it to your pediatrician. They may refer you to a pediatric orthopedist to assess whether the in-toeing is likely to self-correct or whether further evaluation is needed.
In-toeing that persists beyond age 8, especially if it's severe or causing pain or activity limitations, is worth evaluating. Sometimes older kids with persistent in-toeing benefit from physical therapy to strengthen certain muscle groups, or rarely, surgical correction if the bone rotation is significant and causing problems.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child is under 8 years old and walks with toes turned inward, but both feet do it equally.
- Your child can run, jump, and play without significant pain or constant tripping.
- The in-toeing has been present since your child started walking and hasn't gotten dramatically worse.
- Your pediatrician has examined your child and isn't concerned.
- Your child is over 7 years old and still has pronounced in-toeing.
- One foot turns in much more than the other, or in-toeing started suddenly in one leg.
- Your child frequently trips, falls, or avoids activities like running because of their gait.
- In-toeing is accompanied by pain, limping, or difficulty bearing weight.
- Sudden onset of severe in-toeing, especially after an injury or with accompanying pain or swelling.
- Your child can't bear weight on one or both legs, or there's obvious deformity.
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.
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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.