My Toddler Toe Walks Sometimes
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 toe walks sometimes, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Intermittent toe walking, where your toddler walks on toes sometimes but flat-footed other times, is very common and usually harmless. Many toddlers toe walk when excited, on new surfaces, or when walking fast. This is different from constant toe walking. Intermittent toe walking usually resolves by age 2-3.
Key takeaways
- Intermittent toe walking, where your toddler walks on toes sometimes but flat-footed other times, is very common and usually harmless. Many toddlers toe walk when excited, on new surfaces, or when walking fast. This is different from constant toe walking. Intermittent toe walking usually resolves by age 2-3.
- Usually normal when: Your child walks flat most of the time.
- Call your doctor if: Your child was walking flat and has started constant toe walking.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, intermittent toe walking, where your toddler walks on toes sometimes but flat-footed other times, is very common and usually harmless. Many toddlers toe walk when excited, on new surfaces, or when walking fast. This is different from constant toe walking. Intermittent toe walking usually resolves by age 2-3. At 10-15 months, many new walkers toe walk intermittently as they experiment with balance. As long as your child can and does walk flat-footed, occasional toe walking is part of learning to walk. It is generally considered normal when your child walks flat most of the time. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child was walking flat and has started constant toe walking.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
10-15 months
Many new walkers toe walk intermittently as they experiment with balance. As long as your child can and does walk flat-footed, occasional toe walking is part of learning to walk.
15-24 months
Intermittent toe walking remains common. If your toddler walks flat most of the time and goes on toes when excited, running, or on cold surfaces, this is normal behavior.
2-3 years
Toe walking should be decreasing. If your child still toe walks intermittently but can easily put feet flat, this is usually benign. If toe walking is increasing rather than decreasing, mention it to your pediatrician.
3-4 years
Most intermittent toe walking resolves by this age. If it persists, ensure your child has full ankle range of motion. Any tightness warrants evaluation.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler toe walks sometimes and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if toe walking is becoming more frequent rather than less.
- Mention if your child seems to have difficulty getting heels down.
- 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 child walks flat most of the time.
- Toe walking happens when excited or on certain surfaces.
- Your child can easily put feet flat when asked.
- Full ankle range of motion is present.
- Toe walking is becoming more frequent rather than less.
- Your child seems to have difficulty getting heels down.
- Toe walking persists beyond age 3.
- Your child was walking flat and has started constant toe walking.
- Ankle stiffness is developing.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler toe walks sometimes — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your child walks flat most of the time — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 10-15 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 walking flat and has started constant toe walking.
Related Conditions
My Baby Is Walking on Their Toes
Toe walking is extremely common when babies are first learning to walk and is usually nothing to worry about. Up to 5% of children toe walk at some point, and most outgrow it by age 2-3. It only becomes a concern if it persists past age 2 or if your child seems unable (rather than unwilling) to put their feet flat.
My Baby Stands Only on Tiptoes
Some toe standing is normal when babies first start pulling up and bearing weight. Many babies stand on their toes for a few weeks before learning to put their feet flat. However, if your baby exclusively stands on tiptoes and cannot put their feet flat, it may indicate tight calf muscles or increased muscle tone that should be evaluated.
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 toe walks sometimes normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler toe walks sometimes?
When is my toddler toe walks sometimes normal?
What causes my toddler toe walks sometimes?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler toe walks sometimes?
Is my toddler toe walks sometimes normal at 10-15 months?
Is my toddler toe walks sometimes normal at 15-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler toe walks sometimes?
Does my toddler toe walks sometimes go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Toe Walks Sometimes.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler toe walks sometimes and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if toe walking is becoming more frequent rather than less.
- Mention if your child seems to have difficulty getting heels down.
- 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
- Toe walking is becoming more frequent rather than less.
- Your child seems to have difficulty getting heels down.
- Toe walking persists beyond age 3.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child was walking flat and has started constant toe walking.
- Ankle stiffness is developing.
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 toe walks sometimes are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child was walking flat and has started constant toe walking.
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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My Baby Is Walking on Their Toes
Toe walking is extremely common when babies are first learning to walk and is usually nothing to worry about. Up to 5% of children toe walk at some point, and most outgrow it by age 2-3. It only becomes a concern if it persists past age 2 or if your child seems unable (rather than unwilling) to put their feet flat.
My Baby Stands Only on Tiptoes
Some toe standing is normal when babies first start pulling up and bearing weight. Many babies stand on their toes for a few weeks before learning to put their feet flat. However, if your baby exclusively stands on tiptoes and cannot put their feet flat, it may indicate tight calf muscles or increased muscle tone that should be evaluated.
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