My Toddler's Coordination Is Getting Worse
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about my toddler's coordination is getting worse, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
While occasional clumsiness is normal in toddlers who are mastering new skills, coordination that is genuinely worsening over time is a red flag that needs medical evaluation. True deterioration in coordination can indicate neurological conditions, inner ear problems, or other treatable causes. If your child was previously coordinated and is becoming progressively less so, seek prompt medical evaluation.
Key takeaways
- While occasional clumsiness is normal in toddlers who are mastering new skills, coordination that is genuinely worsening over time is a red flag that needs medical evaluation. True deterioration in coordination can indicate neurological conditions, inner ear problems, or other treatable causes. If your child was previously coordinated and is becoming progressively less so, seek prompt medical evaluation.
- Usually normal when: Brief clumsiness during illness or fatigue.
- Call your doctor if: Progressive loss of motor abilities over days or weeks.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, while occasional clumsiness is normal in toddlers who are mastering new skills, coordination that is genuinely worsening over time is a red flag that needs medical evaluation. True deterioration in coordination can indicate neurological conditions, inner ear problems, or other treatable causes. If your child was previously coordinated and is becoming progressively less so, seek prompt medical evaluation. At 12-18 months, new walkers are naturally unsteady and may seem to get worse before getting better as they attempt more challenging movements. However, if your child was walking well and is now falling frequently or losing the ability to walk, this is concerning and warrants same-day evaluation. It is generally considered normal when brief clumsiness during illness or fatigue. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if progressive loss of motor abilities over days or weeks.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
New walkers are naturally unsteady and may seem to get worse before getting better as they attempt more challenging movements. However, if your child was walking well and is now falling frequently or losing the ability to walk, this is concerning and warrants same-day evaluation.
18-24 months
By this age, walking should be becoming more stable, not less. If your toddler is becoming clumsier, stumbling more, or having trouble with movements they previously mastered, bring this to your pediatrician's attention promptly.
2-3 years
Progressive loss of coordination at this age is always concerning. Conditions like ataxia, brain tumors, and metabolic disorders can present with worsening coordination. Early evaluation leads to better outcomes.
3-4 years
If your child is becoming less coordinated over time rather than more skilled, this warrants urgent evaluation. Note whether the changes are sudden or gradual, and whether they affect one side or both sides of the body.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler's coordination is getting worse 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 seems clumsier than they were a month ago.
- Mention if falls are increasing rather than decreasing.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Brief clumsiness during illness or fatigue.
- Temporary unsteadiness when learning a new skill.
- Occasional tripping that does not worsen over time.
- Mild clumsiness that runs in the family.
- Your child seems clumsier than they were a month ago.
- Falls are increasing rather than decreasing.
- Your child avoids physical activities they used to enjoy.
- Progressive loss of motor abilities over days or weeks.
- Sudden onset of poor coordination or unsteadiness.
- Coordination changes accompanied by headaches, vomiting, or vision changes.
- One-sided weakness or coordination loss.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler's coordination is getting worse — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that brief clumsiness during illness or fatigue — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 12-18 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 progressive loss of motor abilities over days or weeks.
Related Conditions
My Toddler Is Losing Motor Abilities
Loss of motor skills (regression) is always a red flag that requires prompt medical evaluation. Unlike a temporary setback during illness, true regression means your child can no longer do things they previously did consistently. This can indicate neurological conditions, metabolic disorders, or other treatable conditions. Early evaluation is critical.
My Toddler Seems Very Clumsy
Clumsiness is extremely common and normal in toddlers. Their brains are still developing the neural pathways for coordination, spatial awareness, and balance. Most toddlers appear clumsy compared to older children. However, if clumsiness is persistent, severe, or worsening after age 3, it may be worth evaluating for developmental coordination disorder.
Signs of Ataxia in Babies and Toddlers
Ataxia refers to wobbly, uncoordinated movements that result from problems with the cerebellum (the brain's coordination center). Signs include an unsteady, wide-based gait, difficulty with precise hand movements, and intention tremor (shaking that worsens when reaching for something). If you notice these signs, evaluation by a pediatric neurologist is important.
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 my toddler's coordination is getting worse normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler's coordination is getting worse?
When is my toddler's coordination is getting worse normal?
What causes my toddler's coordination is getting worse?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler's coordination is getting worse?
Is my toddler's coordination is getting worse normal at 12-18 months?
Is my toddler's coordination is getting worse normal at 18-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler's coordination is getting worse?
Does my toddler's coordination is getting worse go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler's Coordination Is Getting Worse.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler's coordination is getting worse 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 seems clumsier than they were a month ago.
- Mention if falls are increasing rather than decreasing.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child seems clumsier than they were a month ago.
- Falls are increasing rather than decreasing.
- Your child avoids physical activities they used to enjoy.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Progressive loss of motor abilities over days or weeks.
- Sudden onset of poor coordination or unsteadiness.
- Coordination changes accompanied by headaches, vomiting, or vision changes.
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 my toddler's coordination is getting worse are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if progressive loss of motor abilities over days or weeks.
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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Related Physical Concerns
My Toddler Is Losing Motor Abilities
Loss of motor skills (regression) is always a red flag that requires prompt medical evaluation. Unlike a temporary setback during illness, true regression means your child can no longer do things they previously did consistently. This can indicate neurological conditions, metabolic disorders, or other treatable conditions. Early evaluation is critical.
My Toddler Seems Very Clumsy
Clumsiness is extremely common and normal in toddlers. Their brains are still developing the neural pathways for coordination, spatial awareness, and balance. Most toddlers appear clumsy compared to older children. However, if clumsiness is persistent, severe, or worsening after age 3, it may be worth evaluating for developmental coordination disorder.
Signs of Ataxia in Babies and Toddlers
Ataxia refers to wobbly, uncoordinated movements that result from problems with the cerebellum (the brain's coordination center). Signs include an unsteady, wide-based gait, difficulty with precise hand movements, and intention tremor (shaking that worsens when reaching for something). If you notice these signs, evaluation by a pediatric neurologist is important.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
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.