My Baby Stands on Tippy Toes
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about stands on tippy toes, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Many babies stand on their tiptoes when they are first learning to bear weight, and this is usually a normal part of development. Babies are experimenting with balance and leg position, and most will begin to put their feet flat as they gain experience and strength. If your baby can put their feet flat but chooses to stand on tiptoes, this is less concerning than a baby who seems unable to flatten their feet.
Key takeaways
- Many babies stand on their tiptoes when they are first learning to bear weight, and this is usually a normal part of development. Babies are experimenting with balance and leg position, and most will begin to put their feet flat as they gain experience and strength. If your baby can put their feet flat but chooses to stand on tiptoes, this is less concerning than a baby who seems unable to flatten their feet.
- Usually normal when: Your baby stands on tiptoes when excited but can and does put feet flat when calm.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has rigid ankles that cannot be gently moved to a flat-foot position, combined with stiffness in the legs or other motor concerns.
- 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.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, many babies stand on their tiptoes when they are first learning to bear weight, and this is usually a normal part of development. Babies are experimenting with balance and leg position, and most will begin to put their feet flat as they gain experience and strength. If your baby can put their feet flat but chooses to stand on tiptoes, this is less concerning than a baby who seems unable to flatten their feet. At 5-8 months, when held in a supported standing position, many babies at this age stand on their tiptoes. This is extremely common and is considered a normal phase of weight-bearing development. Babies are discovering how their legs and feet work, and toe standing is part of that exploration. As long as your baby can relax their feet when not bearing weight and their ankles do not feel rigid, there is no cause for concern. It is generally considered normal when your baby stands on tiptoes when excited but can and does put feet flat when calm. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has rigid ankles that cannot be gently moved to a flat-foot position, combined with stiffness in the legs or other motor concerns.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
5-8 months
When held in a supported standing position, many babies at this age stand on their tiptoes. This is extremely common and is considered a normal phase of weight-bearing development. Babies are discovering how their legs and feet work, and toe standing is part of that exploration. As long as your baby can relax their feet when not bearing weight and their ankles do not feel rigid, there is no cause for concern.
9-11 months
As babies begin to pull to stand and cruise along furniture, tippy-toe standing often decreases. However, some babies continue to stand on their toes intermittently, especially when they are excited or trying to reach something. If your baby can and sometimes does stand with flat feet but often chooses tiptoes, this is typically normal. If they exclusively stand on tiptoes and never seem able to get their heels down, mention it to your pediatrician.
12-15 months
Babies who are taking their first steps may stand and walk on tiptoes intermittently. This is part of learning to walk and usually resolves as their walking pattern matures. The key concern is whether your baby can flatten their feet. Try observing them when standing still and relaxed rather than during active play. If their ankles seem tight and they cannot get their heels to the ground even when calm, evaluation is appropriate.
15+ months
Persistent tippy-toe standing after 15 months, especially if your child cannot flatten their feet when asked or when standing relaxed, should be evaluated. Your pediatrician will check ankle range of motion and may refer to a pediatric orthopedist or neurologist. Common causes include tight Achilles tendons (which respond well to stretching), sensory preferences, or increased muscle tone. Most causes are very treatable with physical therapy.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed stands on tippy toes and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby always stands on tiptoes and never seems to put their feet flat, even when calm and relaxed.
- Mention if your baby's ankles seem stiff and resist gentle stretching toward a flat-foot position.
- 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 stands on tiptoes when excited but can and does put feet flat when calm.
- Your baby is under 12 months and alternates between tiptoe standing and flat-footed standing during supported play.
- Your baby stands on tiptoes when reaching for objects but bears weight on flat feet at rest.
- Your baby briefly stands on tiptoes on cold or unfamiliar surfaces as a sensory response.
- Your baby always stands on tiptoes and never seems to put their feet flat, even when calm and relaxed.
- Your baby's ankles seem stiff and resist gentle stretching toward a flat-foot position.
- Tippy-toe standing is getting more pronounced over time rather than improving.
- Your baby has rigid ankles that cannot be gently moved to a flat-foot position, combined with stiffness in the legs or other motor concerns.
- Your baby was previously standing with flat feet and has started standing exclusively on tiptoes, especially if combined with other changes in movement or behavior.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice stands on tippy toes — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby stands on tiptoes when excited but can and does put feet flat when calm — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 5-8 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 baby has rigid ankles that cannot be gently moved to a flat-foot position, combined with stiffness in the legs or other motor concerns.
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 stands on tippy toes normal?
When should I call the doctor about stands on tippy toes?
When is stands on tippy toes normal?
What causes stands on tippy toes?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about stands on tippy toes?
Is stands on tippy toes normal at 5-8 months?
Is stands on tippy toes normal at 9-11 months?
Should I go to the ER for stands on tippy toes?
Does stands on tippy toes go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Stands on Tippy Toes.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed stands on tippy toes and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby always stands on tiptoes and never seems to put their feet flat, even when calm and relaxed.
- Mention if your baby's ankles seem stiff and resist gentle stretching toward a flat-foot position.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby always stands on tiptoes and never seems to put their feet flat, even when calm and relaxed.
- Your baby's ankles seem stiff and resist gentle stretching toward a flat-foot position.
- Tippy-toe standing is getting more pronounced over time rather than improving.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has rigid ankles that cannot be gently moved to a flat-foot position, combined with stiffness in the legs or other motor concerns.
- Your baby was previously standing with flat feet and has started standing exclusively on tiptoes, especially if combined with other changes in movement or behavior.
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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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of stands on tippy toes are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has rigid ankles that cannot be gently moved to a flat-foot position, combined with stiffness in the legs or other motor concerns.
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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