My Baby Is Walking on Their Toes
The short answer
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.
By Age
What to expect by age
Toe walking is very common in new walkers. Babies are experimenting with balance and figuring out how their feet work, and walking on toes is part of that exploration. As long as your baby CAN put their feet flat when standing still, occasional toe walking at this age is completely normal and expected.
Many toddlers still toe walk intermittently at this age, especially when excited, walking on new surfaces, or moving fast. If your child walks flat-footed some of the time and on toes other times, this is typical. If they exclusively toe walk and never seem to walk with flat feet, mention it at your next well visit.
Most toddlers have settled into a heel-toe walking pattern by now. If your child still toe walks most of the time, your pediatrician may want to check their Achilles tendons and ankle range of motion. Many children who persistently toe walk have "idiopathic toe walking" - meaning it's a habit with no underlying cause - and they respond well to stretching exercises or physical therapy.
Persistent toe walking past age 2 should be evaluated. Your pediatrician may refer to a pediatric orthopedist or neurologist to rule out tight heel cords, cerebral palsy, or sensory processing differences. The good news is that most causes are treatable, and early intervention (stretching, serial casting, or physical therapy) is very effective.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby just started walking and toe walks intermittently - this is part of learning to walk for many children.
- Your toddler can and does walk flat-footed but sometimes goes up on toes when excited, running, or on cold/unfamiliar surfaces.
- Your child toe walks occasionally but has full ankle range of motion - they can easily put their feet flat when asked or when standing still.
- Your child is under 2 years old and the toe walking is intermittent rather than constant.
- Your child is over 18 months and toe walks the majority of the time.
- Your child seems to have difficulty putting their heels down even when trying - their ankles seem tight.
- Toe walking is getting worse over time rather than improving.
- Your child has other motor differences alongside the toe walking, such as stiffness, clumsiness, or frequent falling.
- Your child was walking with a normal heel-toe pattern and has started toe walking - a change in gait pattern warrants evaluation.
- Your child toe walks on only one side, or one leg seems stiffer or weaker than the other.
- Toe walking is accompanied by leg stiffness, pain, or your child seems to be losing motor skills.
Sources
Related Resources
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 Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.