My Toddler Has Poor Balance
The short answer
Toddlers are naturally clumsy - learning to walk, run, and navigate the world is hard work, and falls are a normal part of the process. Most kids take months to walk confidently and years to have truly good balance. However, if your toddler falls constantly, always to one side, or seems much more unsteady than other kids their age, it's worth having their pediatrician take a look.
By Age
What to expect by age
Brand-new walkers are supposed to be wobbly. Your toddler is still building the muscle strength, coordination, and confidence needed for smooth walking. Falls are expected and frequent - sometimes every few steps. As long as your child is making progress (walking more steadily over weeks and months) and can get back up and keep trying, this is all part of normal development.
Your toddler should be walking much more confidently by now and starting to run (even if it's more of a fast, stiff-legged trot). They'll still fall sometimes, especially when tired, on uneven surfaces, or when trying something new. If your toddler is falling multiple times every single day, can't walk across a room without losing balance, or seems to be getting worse rather than better, mention it to your doctor.
At this age, your child should be able to walk and run fairly well, climb stairs with support, and start to jump (even if it's more of a hop). Some kids are naturally more cautious or less coordinated than others, and that's okay. But if your child seems dramatically more unsteady than other kids their age, falls constantly, or avoids physical activities because of balance issues, ask your pediatrician whether an evaluation with a physical therapist might help.
By this age, most kids can run smoothly, go up and down stairs, pedal a tricycle, and balance on one foot for a second or two. If your child is still falling frequently, has trouble with basic activities like walking across a room or climbing playground equipment, or seems to tire very easily from physical activity, talk to your doctor about whether physical or occupational therapy could help build strength and coordination.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler is a new walker (under 18 months) and falls often but is making steady progress.
- Your child falls more when tired, rushing, or on uneven surfaces, but can walk steadily when calm and rested.
- Falls are getting less frequent over time as your child gains experience and confidence.
- Your child gets back up after falls, doesn't seem hurt or scared, and keeps moving.
- Your toddler is over 2 years old and still falls multiple times every day even on flat, familiar surfaces.
- Your child consistently falls to one particular side or in one direction.
- Balance seems to be getting worse over time rather than improving.
- Your child avoids running, climbing, or other physical activities that peers enjoy.
- Falls are accompanied by other concerns like delayed speech, difficulty with fine motor skills, or low muscle tone.
- Sudden onset of balance problems in a child who was previously walking well - this needs immediate evaluation.
- Balance problems are accompanied by weakness, difficulty waking up, severe headaches, or vomiting.
- Your child loses consciousness during or after a fall, or seems disoriented and confused.
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.