Toddler Not Climbing Stairs
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about toddler not climbing stairs, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your toddler is under 18 months and prefers crawling up stairs or avoids them entirely.
- Call your doctor if: Your child was previously climbing stairs and has suddenly lost the ability or refuses to walk, which may indicate pain or a neurological concern.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, 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. At 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. It is generally considered normal when your toddler is under 18 months and prefers crawling up stairs or avoids them entirely. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child was previously climbing stairs and has suddenly lost the ability or refuses to walk, which may indicate pain or a neurological concern.
Normal vs. Concerning
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler not climbing stairs 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 is over 2.5 years and cannot walk up stairs even while holding your hand.
- Mention if your child seems to have significantly more difficulty with stairs than same-age peers, along with trouble running or climbing other structures.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler not climbing stairs — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your toddler is under 18 months and prefers crawling up stairs or avoids them entirely — 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 your child was previously climbing stairs and has suddenly lost the ability or refuses to walk, which may indicate pain or a neurological concern.
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 toddler not climbing stairs normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler not climbing stairs?
When is toddler not climbing stairs normal?
What causes toddler not climbing stairs?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler not climbing stairs?
Is toddler not climbing stairs normal at 12-18 months?
Is toddler not climbing stairs normal at 18-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler not climbing stairs?
Does toddler not climbing stairs go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Not Climbing Stairs.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler not climbing stairs 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 is over 2.5 years and cannot walk up stairs even while holding your hand.
- Mention if your child seems to have significantly more difficulty with stairs than same-age peers, along with trouble running or climbing other structures.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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.
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 toddler not climbing stairs are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child was previously climbing stairs and has suddenly lost the ability or refuses to walk, which may indicate pain or a neurological concern.
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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