My 14 month old has just started walking independently, and it was such a beautiful moment! Even a few days afterwards, now that he’s able to go across half the yard all on his own, seeing him walk is incredible.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t getting frustrated, Part of that was my general worry about meeting milestones and, oh, the so wrong comparison with other children.

His cousin started walking days after her first birthday, and as the time passed and he did anything but walk independently, I started getting worried and even angry. At one point, he was even walking around on his knees, and I was on the brink of having a panic attack!

Yup, I kid you not.

However, despite all that, he turned out to be perfectly healthy and capable of walking. And knowing how “wrong” walking patterns and habits can make parents scared and frustrated, I decided to tackle the biggest of them all.

Is parenting causing you more anxiety than you can handle? Have a talk with this mom psychologist and let’s tackle it all together.

Why is My Toddler Walking on Toes?

If you’re a parent or caregiver of a toddler who is walking on their tiptoes, you may be wondering what’s causing it and how you can help. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Toe walking is a common behavior in young children and can be caused by a variety of factors. Now, let’s explore the possible reasons for toe walking and provide some tips for how to address it.

What Causes a Toddler to Walk on Their Toes?

There are several reasons why a toddler may walk on their toes. One common cause is simply habit or preference. Some children find it more comfortable to walk on their toes, especially if they have been doing it for a long time.

Alternatively, they may be doing it if they’re not walking yet (my then baby did), or if they’ve just learned how to walk.

Another reason may be due to tightness in the muscles of the legs and feet, which can cause the child to walk on their toes to compensate.

In some cases, however, toe walking may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. These conditions can include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or autism.

That said, it’s important to note that toe walking alone is not a definitive sign of any of these conditions and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

How Do I Stop My 2 Year Old From Walking on His Toes?

If your toddler is habitually walking on their toes, there are several things you can do to help them develop a more typical gait.

One approach is to encourage your child to walk barefoot on a variety of surfaces, such as carpet, hardwood floors, and grass. This can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles in their feet and legs.

Everyone around me was looking at me weird that I didn’t want to give shoes to my toddler when he was learning to cruise. But I was aware that the best way to learn how to walk properly is to do it barefoot. This helps babies and toddlers really get a good feel of their feet and different surfaces.

Another strategy is to provide your child with shoes that have a sturdy heel and a flexible sole. This can help to promote proper foot alignment and reduce the likelihood of toe walking.

In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended to help your child develop more typical walking patterns.

Does a Toddler Walking on Toes Mean They Have Autism?

Toe walking can be a sign of autism, but don’t panic just yet. It’s important to note that many children who walk on their toes do not have autism.

However, if you are concerned about your child’s development, it’s always a good idea to talk to your pediatrician or a specialist. They can evaluate your child’s behavior and determine if further testing or evaluation is needed.

Normal Walking Progression in Babies and Toddlers

Babies typically start walking between 9 and 18 months of age. Yup, there’s a world of difference of when it happens — but so long as it isn’t after they’re a year and a half old, all is well.

They’ll start by simply standing up, then they’ll slowly start cruising around the house while holding onto furniture. At first, their gait may be unsteady and wobbly as they learn to balance on their feet.

Finally, they’ll be walking while you’re holding their hand, before they gain enough confidence to start walking independently. By age 2, most children are able to walk well independently and will have developed a typical heel-to-toe gait.

Also see: Toddler Must-Haves