My Toddler Has an Awkward Running Gait
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about my toddler has an awkward running gait, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Running starts around 18-24 months and initially looks quite awkward and uncoordinated. Toddlers typically run with a flat-footed stride, arms held out for balance, and limited coordination. A mature running pattern does not develop until age 3-4, so awkward running is completely normal for toddlers.
Key takeaways
- Running starts around 18-24 months and initially looks quite awkward and uncoordinated. Toddlers typically run with a flat-footed stride, arms held out for balance, and limited coordination. A mature running pattern does not develop until age 3-4, so awkward running is completely normal for toddlers.
- Usually normal when: Your toddler is under 3 years old and running looks stiff or uncoordinated.
- Call your doctor if: Your child's running has become worse or they have lost coordination they previously had.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC, NIH guidelines, running starts around 18-24 months and initially looks quite awkward and uncoordinated. Toddlers typically run with a flat-footed stride, arms held out for balance, and limited coordination. A mature running pattern does not develop until age 3-4, so awkward running is completely normal for toddlers. At 15-18 months, if your toddler is just starting to run, their "running" is essentially fast walking. They may totter, use their arms for balance, and look very unsteady. This is completely normal. True running with a flight phase (both feet off the ground) does not typically develop until around 18-24 months. It is generally considered normal when your toddler is under 3 years old and running looks stiff or uncoordinated. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child's running has become worse or they have lost coordination they previously had.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
15-18 months
If your toddler is just starting to run, their "running" is essentially fast walking. They may totter, use their arms for balance, and look very unsteady. This is completely normal. True running with a flight phase (both feet off the ground) does not typically develop until around 18-24 months.
18-24 months
Early running at this age looks quite different from adult running. Expect wide legs, arms out for balance, flat foot landings, and frequent stumbles. Your toddler is learning to coordinate speed, balance, and direction all at once. Awkward running is the norm at this age.
2-3 years
Running should be becoming more coordinated, with better arm swing and fewer falls. However, running form at this age is still developing and may look clumsy compared to older children. If your child can run across a room without falling, stop and change direction, their running development is on track even if it looks a bit awkward.
3-4 years
By age 3-4, most children have a fairly coordinated running pattern. If your child's running still looks very awkward, involves a lot of tripping, or seems to be getting worse rather than better, mention it to your pediatrician. Some children benefit from physical therapy to improve coordination.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler has an awkward running gait 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 3 years old and running still looks very awkward or clumsy.
- Mention if your child falls frequently while running compared to peers.
- 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
- Your toddler is under 3 years old and running looks stiff or uncoordinated.
- Your toddler's running is gradually improving over time.
- Your toddler runs with arms out for balance but is getting steadier.
- Your toddler can stop and change direction without always falling.
- Your child is over 3 years old and running still looks very awkward or clumsy.
- Your child falls frequently while running compared to peers.
- Your child's running involves unusual movements like head tilting or crossing legs.
- Running does not seem to be improving over several months.
- Your child's running has become worse or they have lost coordination they previously had.
- Your child has pain when running or refuses to run.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler has an awkward running gait — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your toddler is under 3 years old and running looks stiff or uncoordinated — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 15-18 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's running has become worse or they have lost coordination they previously had.
Related Conditions
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.
My Toddler Falls Down a Lot
Falling is a completely normal part of learning to walk and run, and most toddlers fall frequently in the first 6 months after they start walking. A new walker may fall dozens of times per day and that's expected. Falling typically decreases significantly by around 18-24 months of walking experience. It only becomes a concern if falling increases over time rather than decreasing, or if it seems out of proportion compared to peers.
My Toddler Trips and Falls Constantly
Frequent tripping and falling is extremely common in toddlers and is usually a normal part of development. Toddlers are still developing balance, coordination, and spatial awareness while moving at speeds their bodies are not quite ready for. Most toddlers become steadier by age 2-3, though some clumsiness is normal well into the preschool years.
Related Resources
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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 has an awkward running gait normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler has an awkward running gait?
When is my toddler has an awkward running gait normal?
What causes my toddler has an awkward running gait?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler has an awkward running gait?
Is my toddler has an awkward running gait normal at 15-18 months?
Is my toddler has an awkward running gait normal at 18-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler has an awkward running gait?
Does my toddler has an awkward running gait go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Has an Awkward Running Gait.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler has an awkward running gait 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 3 years old and running still looks very awkward or clumsy.
- Mention if your child falls frequently while running compared to peers.
- 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 is over 3 years old and running still looks very awkward or clumsy.
- Your child falls frequently while running compared to peers.
- Your child's running involves unusual movements like head tilting or crossing legs.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child's running has become worse or they have lost coordination they previously had.
- Your child has pain when running or refuses to run.
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 has an awkward running gait are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child's running has become worse or they have lost coordination they previously had.
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 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.
My Toddler Falls Down a Lot
Falling is a completely normal part of learning to walk and run, and most toddlers fall frequently in the first 6 months after they start walking. A new walker may fall dozens of times per day and that's expected. Falling typically decreases significantly by around 18-24 months of walking experience. It only becomes a concern if falling increases over time rather than decreasing, or if it seems out of proportion compared to peers.
My Toddler Trips and Falls Constantly
Frequent tripping and falling is extremely common in toddlers and is usually a normal part of development. Toddlers are still developing balance, coordination, and spatial awareness while moving at speeds their bodies are not quite ready for. Most toddlers become steadier by age 2-3, though some clumsiness is normal well into the preschool years.
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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.
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