My Toddler Trips and Falls Constantly
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published NIH, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about my toddler trips and falls constantly, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your child is under 2 years old and falls mainly happen during running or on uneven surfaces.
- Call your doctor if: Your child was previously steady and has suddenly started falling frequently.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to NIH, AAP, CDC guidelines, 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. At 12-18 months, new walkers fall a lot, and this is completely expected. Studies show that toddlers in this age range may fall 17 or more times per hour when walking. Their balance system is still maturing, and they are learning to navigate different surfaces, obstacles, and speeds. Frequent falls at this age are a sign that your baby is practicing and improving. It is generally considered normal when your child is under 2 years old and falls mainly happen during running or on uneven surfaces. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child was previously steady and has suddenly started falling frequently.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
New walkers fall a lot, and this is completely expected. Studies show that toddlers in this age range may fall 17 or more times per hour when walking. Their balance system is still maturing, and they are learning to navigate different surfaces, obstacles, and speeds. Frequent falls at this age are a sign that your baby is practicing and improving.
18-24 months
Falls become less frequent as walking becomes more coordinated, but toddlers at this age are also starting to run, climb, and move faster, which creates new opportunities for tripping. Some increase in falls during this period is actually normal as your child pushes their physical limits.
2-3 years
By age 2, walking should be fairly steady, but running and playing can still lead to falls. If your child falls very frequently during simple walking on flat surfaces, or if falls are getting worse rather than better, this is worth discussing with your pediatrician.
3-4 years
Occasional tripping is still normal, but persistent, frequent falling at this age should be evaluated. Your pediatrician may check for vision problems, low muscle tone, joint hypermobility, or coordination difficulties. Physical therapy can be very helpful for children with persistent balance issues.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler trips and falls constantly 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 years old and falls frequently on flat surfaces during simple walking.
- Mention if falls seem to be getting more frequent rather than less.
- 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 is under 2 years old and falls mainly happen during running or on uneven surfaces.
- Falls are becoming less frequent over time.
- Your child gets up easily after falling and is not hurt.
- Falls happen when your child is tired, distracted, or moving fast.
- Your child is over 2 years old and falls frequently on flat surfaces during simple walking.
- Falls seem to be getting more frequent rather than less.
- Your child trips or falls much more than peers the same age.
- Your child seems to have difficulty seeing obstacles or navigating around objects.
- Your child was previously steady and has suddenly started falling frequently.
- Falls are accompanied by confusion, headaches, or changes in alertness.
- Your child falls to one side consistently, suggesting a balance or neurological issue.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler trips and falls constantly — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your child is under 2 years old and falls mainly happen during running or on uneven surfaces — 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 steady and has suddenly started falling frequently.
Related Conditions
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 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 Has Poor Balance
Toddlers are naturally clumsy - learning to walk, run, and navigate the world is hard work, and falls are a normal part of the process. Most kids take months to walk confidently and years to have truly good balance. However, if your toddler falls constantly, always to one side, or seems much more unsteady than other kids their age, it's worth having their pediatrician take a look.
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 trips and falls constantly normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler trips and falls constantly?
When is my toddler trips and falls constantly normal?
What causes my toddler trips and falls constantly?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler trips and falls constantly?
Is my toddler trips and falls constantly normal at 12-18 months?
Is my toddler trips and falls constantly normal at 18-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler trips and falls constantly?
Does my toddler trips and falls constantly go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Trips and Falls Constantly.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler trips and falls constantly 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 years old and falls frequently on flat surfaces during simple walking.
- Mention if falls seem to be getting more frequent rather than less.
- 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 2 years old and falls frequently on flat surfaces during simple walking.
- Falls seem to be getting more frequent rather than less.
- Your child trips or falls much more than peers the same age.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child was previously steady and has suddenly started falling frequently.
- Falls are accompanied by confusion, headaches, or changes in alertness.
- Your child falls to one side consistently, suggesting a balance or neurological issue.
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 trips and falls constantly are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child was previously steady and has suddenly started falling frequently.
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 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 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 Has Poor Balance
Toddlers are naturally clumsy - learning to walk, run, and navigate the world is hard work, and falls are a normal part of the process. Most kids take months to walk confidently and years to have truly good balance. However, if your toddler falls constantly, always to one side, or seems much more unsteady than other kids their age, it's worth having their pediatrician take a look.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
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.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
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.