Toddler Not Climbing Stairs
The short answer
Stair climbing is a complex skill that develops gradually between 12 and 36 months. Most toddlers begin crawling up stairs around 12 to 18 months, walk up with a hand held around 18 to 24 months, and walk up holding a railing by 2 to 3 years. Alternating feet on stairs typically does not happen until age 3 or later. If your toddler is not yet climbing stairs, they may simply need more practice and confidence.
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By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
Most toddlers at this age approach stairs by crawling up on hands and knees. Some may pull themselves up using the railing or a wall. Going down stairs is harder and many toddlers scoot down on their bottoms or back down on their tummies. It is completely normal for toddlers in this age range to show no interest in stairs, especially if they do not have regular access to them at home.
18-24 months
Many toddlers can walk up stairs while holding an adult's hand or the railing, placing both feet on each step before moving to the next one. Some toddlers are cautious about stairs and may still prefer crawling up. If your toddler is walking well on flat ground but hesitant about stairs, this is often about confidence rather than ability. Regular, supervised practice on safe stairs can help build comfort.
2-3 years
By age 2, most children can walk up stairs holding a railing, one step at a time (both feet on each step). By age 3, many children begin alternating feet on stairs, though some still use the two-feet-per-step method. If your child is 2.5 years or older and cannot walk up stairs at all even while holding your hand, mention this to your pediatrician. Difficulty with stairs at this age may reflect overall leg strength or coordination concerns.
3+ years
Most 3-year-olds can walk up and down stairs independently, though they may still hold the railing. Alternating feet becomes more common. If your child is over 3 and still cannot manage stairs with support, a gross motor evaluation can help identify whether targeted exercises or physical therapy would help build the strength and coordination needed.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler is under 18 months and prefers crawling up stairs or avoids them entirely.
- Your toddler can walk up stairs while holding your hand but is not yet ready to use the railing independently.
- Your toddler walks up stairs with both feet on each step rather than alternating feet, which is normal until about age 3.
- Your toddler is cautious about going down stairs and scoots on their bottom, as descending is harder than ascending.
- Your toddler does not have regular access to stairs and has simply not had enough practice yet.
- Your child is over 2.5 years and cannot walk up stairs even while holding your hand.
- Your child seems to have significantly more difficulty with stairs than same-age peers, along with trouble running or climbing other structures.
- Your child has one leg that seems weaker than the other when climbing stairs.
- Your child was previously climbing stairs and has suddenly lost the ability or refuses to walk, which may indicate pain or a neurological concern.
- Your child cannot bear weight on their legs at all or has progressive weakness that is getting worse over time.
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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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 Only Army Crawls
Army crawling (also called commando crawling) is a completely valid and normal way for babies to move. Many babies army crawl for weeks or even months before transitioning to hands-and-knees crawling, and some skip hands-and-knees crawling entirely. What matters is that your baby is independently mobile and exploring their environment.
One Side of My Baby's Body Moves Differently
Babies should generally use both sides of their body equally. If one side consistently moves differently, is weaker, stiffer, or less coordinated, this warrants evaluation. Asymmetric movement can indicate hemiplegia (cerebral palsy affecting one side), brachial plexus injury, or other neurological conditions that benefit from early therapy.
My Baby Crawls Unevenly
While some variation in crawling patterns is normal, consistently favoring one side or dragging one limb while crawling warrants attention. Babies should use both arms and both legs relatively equally when crawling. Persistent asymmetry could indicate muscle tone differences, hip issues, or neurological concerns that benefit from early evaluation.
My Baby Still Has the Fencing Reflex (Persistent ATNR)
The asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR, also called the fencing reflex) causes your baby to extend the arm on the side they are looking toward. It should integrate between 4-6 months. If the ATNR persists strongly beyond 6 months, it can interfere with bringing hands to midline, bilateral hand use, and rolling. Evaluation is recommended.
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.