Toddler Running Awkwardly
The short answer
Toddlers are naturally awkward runners. Running typically develops between 18 and 24 months, and it takes many more months for the running pattern to look smooth and coordinated. Young runners often hold their arms out or up for balance, take short choppy steps, and fall frequently. This improves gradually as balance, coordination, and confidence develop. Truly smooth running usually does not appear until age 3 to 4.
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By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
Most children at this age are still mastering walking, and running is not yet expected. Some early walkers may begin a fast, unsteady walk that looks like a shuffle or jog. Their base of support is wide, their arms are held high for balance, and they topple over frequently. This is all normal early locomotion development.
18-24 months
This is when most toddlers develop a true running gait, though it looks very different from adult running. They run with a wide base, stiff legs, flat feet, and arms held out to the sides or up by their head for balance. Falls are frequent, especially when turning or stopping. This "toddler run" is completely typical and not a sign of a coordination problem.
2-3 years
Running becomes smoother and more controlled. Children begin running with their arms swinging at their sides rather than held out for balance, and they can stop and change direction more easily. However, some awkwardness is still normal at this age. If your child's running seems significantly more awkward than their peers, or if they run with a persistent limp, stiffness on one side, or pain, discuss this with your pediatrician.
3+ years
By age 3 to 4, most children have a fairly mature running pattern. They run with their arms swinging, can navigate around obstacles, and stop on command. If your child is still running with significant awkwardness at this age - such as consistently stumbling, running with stiff or asymmetric legs, or avoiding running altogether - a gross motor evaluation can help identify any underlying issues like muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, or joint problems.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler is under 2.5 years and runs with arms out, wide legs, and frequent falls, which is the typical early running pattern.
- Your toddler runs awkwardly on uneven surfaces but moves more smoothly on flat ground.
- Your toddler sometimes trips when running because they are moving faster than their coordination can handle.
- Your toddler runs well most of the time but becomes clumsy when tired, excited, or distracted.
- Your child is over 3 years old and their running is still significantly more awkward than other children their age.
- Your child runs with a consistent limp, favors one leg, or seems to have stiffness or weakness on one side.
- Your child avoids running entirely or complains of pain when they try to run.
- Your child suddenly develops an awkward gait or limp after previously running normally, as this could indicate an injury, infection, or neurological concern.
- Your child's running has been getting progressively worse rather than better, or they are losing motor skills they previously had.
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.