The Truth About Toe Walking: Dangers Parents Need to Know About

[@MonalissaMGhosh]

Everytime I'm worried about something related to my baby, your videos come up as a boon to calm my worrying mind.. thank you.

[@EmmaHubbard]

I’m so glad to hear that!

[@EmmaHubbard]

Thanks for watching! Don't forget to get your free 0 - 12 months old developmental milestone chart here: brightestbeginning.com/12monthmilestones/

[@geetaduttakhatri1414]

Hi Emma Hubbard I am from Nepal , my son is 20 months old but not able to hold his head still now , doctor has diagnosed that he is suffering from infantile spasms so what can I do to help my son to hold his head ..please give suggestions eagerly waiting for your reply

[@sharonkalaluka2687]

Aw aww aww

[@jordansmacher10]

My son is about to be 1 and does toe walk off and on! I would definitely say more on but he is showing signs he wants to just take off walking on his on! I don’t see it as a problem! Thanks for much Emma! As usual so helpful and educational! ☺️

[@EmmaHubbard]

Thanks for sharing!! And glad you found this video helpful!

[@seaofglass77]

The great ballerina Natalia Osipova has quite bowed legs. She is also the best female jumper in the history of ballet. Don't be afraid for nowed legs! Unless of course, as the video says, there is pain associated.

[@peepeenuggerman5717]

I was a toe walker from the time I could walk. I still toe walk to this day at 28 years old. I have hyper flexibility in my calves that allows me to extend my toes to the floor from a sitting and legs straight on the ground position. I have the ability to point and curl my feet like a ballerina that has been in practice for decades.

[@kayleighash317]

I'm 17 and I still walk on my toes, however, I wish that it was sorted out when I was younger. I am now a training dancer and performer and I find certain things difficult to complete due to my habit, I now have to retrain myself on how to walk.

[@malaikah8329]

I toe walked almost all the time.. actually ran that way too from the moment I got up from crawling..and I am perfectly fine..no issues.. My family teases that my obsession for wesring high heels started with toe walking.🥰

[@GraceCreatesLivingSpace]

Exactly the same with me

[@alyssaobright9843]

Have you ever been tested?

[@nithindan]

Thank you for msg ...I'm worried so much

[@G0ry_Kori]

As a girl who's 13 and been toe walking since 2 years old. I am glad that people are sharing my problem it makes me feel quite better. I often feel really weird when i'm in public or a crowded places i feel like i am being stared at so much..I often wanted to be like the others girls..because i felt bad of how i walk compared to other people around me or they would just ask about my toe walking and indeed i was being judged by many people they would just call me a ballerina or made me feel even worse than how i am..But i learned how to love myself now and do fun things that make me forget about my toe walking:)) To people who also have disorders and are feeling upset about it..Remember disorder isn't something you choosed to have. You are a human with a human feelings and forget what other people think of you because that's isn't their life it's yours and your the one who's gonna enjoy and make memories and do many things aswell! You are loved.❤️

[@jaclyn4098]

I knew a girl who toe walked as a toddler and now ad an adult in her 20s still walks like that because her tendons didn't grow long enough and she physically can't walk normally.

[@adriennenichols]

Yes, sounds like her tendons shortened and are too tight to allow for normal walking. Another good reason to address toe walking in the early years.

[@annaceglova6889]

Dear Emma, thank you! As always very informative in a structured manner 👍❤️ this is very helpful content!

[@EmmaHubbard]

Glad it was helpful!

[@abandonedbuildingexplorer]

I have autism and have toe-walked since a child (it's not super pronounced now but I still barely hit my heel as I walk and someone informed me that most humans strike their heel first then shift weight onto the ball of their foot/toes). I walk with a bounce like Bamby from the cartoon. I was also very sporty and still am. I was exception sprinter throughout primary and high-school dominating my peers and making it to regionals, and even as an adult, my ability to sprint is very good for my age-group. I am certainly more suited to sprinting than slow long-distance running. In terms of flat feet (I have them too), keep in mind that the current world record holder and fastest man alive (Usain Bolt) has flat feet! Coincidence? Perhaps... But it's not something to get bothered by. Your kid will still be able to destroy opponents (speed-wise) and also in other avenues. Don't stress, and also don't make life difficult for them. If your child does this and your other children or other kids make fun of them, stop it ASAP! Put them in check! (A) Bullying is not cool; (B) This is not a major issue for everyone afflicted. Finally, from an evolutionary perspective, if there was no benefit to this deviation of gait from what is considered the "norm", it would not have persisted over millennia. There is an evolutionary advantage! Figure it out ;)

[@Dominikas48]

Like your video's a lot. Short and informative!. These children under 2 walking on toes freaks parents out with ASD. Never said for how long this walk take place to be concern, but just as you see, he/she might have... From these video at least concerned parents should get answer. Thanks again for your vlog.

[@EmmaHubbard]

My pleasure! As you noted toe-walking is one characteristic of ASD but there are also many other factors. Toe-walking in isolation does not mean a child has ASD.

[@aaliyahImpersonator]

What type of underline health problems could come from that if I may ask thanks.

[@EmmaHubbard]

If a child persistently walks on their toes it can lead to their calf muscles tightening and as a result they are unable to get their heel to make contact with the ground when they walk. This leads to them adopting a walk where they look like they bounce instead of step. To lengthen the tight muscle the specialist may recommend serial casting or Botox followed by serial casting. If someone is walking on their toes all the time it’s a good idea to see if other muscles are tight as this may indicate the child has cerebral palsy. Also in some cases, but not all, people who has ASD walk on their toes.

[@aaliyahImpersonator]

@@EmmaHubbard My son is 6 and a toe walker and he doesn't talk that well as a 6 year old should I'm gonna take him in today cause I'm very worried now I thought he'd grow out of it 😩 thanks for the information.

[@soodnidhika]

Hi, my 11 month old daughter is not walking yet and when she tries to pull herself up holding furniture she stands up, but on her tip toes. She can definitely put one of her feet flat on the floor but I rarely see her put the other foot down. Is this something I should be worried about?

[@hifsahsoftech]

How's your daughter now ? Is she walk normally?

[@srl852]

I'm 17 I have pigeon toed can you tell me treatment please?

[@srl852]

I'm waiting for answer

[@RachelPetersen2372]

My grandson is 16 months and he is knee walking? What do we do.

[@miguel5876]

Hi emma, my daughter is 2yrs old now..she start tip toeing 1yr.old but as i observed her behavior shes very talkative,have eye to eye contact,friendly , energetic happy baby,shes good in instruction. My only comcern is tip toeing. What is it? Thankyoi

[@madamx1995]

Hii, how is your baby walking now.. Did she stoped walking on toes because some says it's a phase it it will pass after a time

[@jebcherienns5238]

I will be starting to work with a 9 year old physical therapy patient. She is very much stuck in plantar flexion since she was 4 years old. What is a reasonable prognosis after 5 years that she can at least achieve a neutral foot position? I feel it is going to take a long time and she will need to re-learn balance along the way.

[@cathy4632]

Brilliant video as always 👏 👌

[@EmmaHubbard]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jolayemiajibolaruth1136]

hi my son is 10months, he doesn't bear all his weight on his leg without tip toeing. Is it fine

[@roshnichauhan1233]

My 15 month daughter is standing properly and walking on tip toe

[@colleenrajpaul6023]

Hi y my grandson who from baby eats very slow keeping his food in his cheek and keeps kicking of his shoes he is 10 nw very intelligent talks well should I worry

[@corinamagbanua533]

Hi Emma! Your videos have always been a way to ease the mind of a first-time mom just like myself. I wanted to ask, my child started walking a little over 1. She is currently 20months and can independently and confidently walk. However, she has been walking on tiptoes perhaps 90% of the time. But then when she runs, she runs properly with her entire feet flat on the ground. Is this a cause for concern? 🙏

[@GuineaPig361]

Sounds like your kid is autistic. Oh, and you need rugs.

[@okpalanwafrancisca4088]

I'm not a doctor but I think No.

[@eme9928]

Great video my parents were concerned of my daughters right foot pigeon toeing. ( my dads a family doc) I got walking shoes similar to stride rites do you have any other suggestions?

[@EmmaHubbard]

Sounds like you are doing everything right. When she is walking inside I would recommend she is barefoot and only wearing shoes outside for protection (particularly if she is new to walking).

[@charlielew2933]

My 14mo will stand with one foot in toe talking position, and the other flat, or both will be in toe walking position. But once I start walking with him, he usually walks normally. Should I bring this up to the doctor?

[@christinenduta7931]

My baby is 5 months and cannot bear weight yet is there a problem

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @christine nduta this wouldn't be seen as a problem. At 6 months they can start taking some weight through their legs and start bouncing. Hope that helps!

[@toyotacorollaae-1047]

My baby’s teeth hasn’t appeared yet . She is one year old . How can i help her erupt her teeth sooner ?

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @Yasir Naseer unfortunately the teeth will erupt when they are ready. Some children don't get their first teeth until after they turn 1. If your concerned, then I would recommend you take her to the doctor.

[@quigli]

What about knock knees? I've had this all my life and my parents never addressed it when I was a child, but now that I'm an adult its only gotten worse and it's too late to correct the problem without surgery. Is knock knees ever normal, or is it something that should always be brought up with their pediatrician?

[@CarolineCarnivorous]

I still intoe and sit in a 'W' like children do, but I'm in my late 20s. Is that normal?

[@EmmaHubbard]

Some adults do in-toe and adopt the "w" sitting position. If it isn't causing any pain and you are not tripping or falling over then it is totally fine.

[@BODUKE3201]

Due to my disability and my feet turn in I hate the term pigeon toed.

[@BODUKE3201]

I am 40 and no matter how much I try I still toe walk or drag my feet. This might be part of my disability from birth.

[@AussieAngeS]

Hi Emma my son has just started to let go snd gained confidence to walk unassisted more now which is so great to see. He is 16 months and has been behind in many milestones but catching up. I noticed he has flat feet snd also a bit of outward toeing not inward. This doesn’t seem to cause him pain, however I’m concerned if this might correct itself or should k get him checked out?

[@Dominikas48]

It is common to see out-toeing when they begin their journey with walk...my son had that too. After 2 months walking they corrected themselves, give a time👍

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @FitAussieAngie so nice to hear your little one is starting to walk unassisted. Given he has just started walking I would give him more time to work it all out. It should correct itself. But if you are concerned after a few months you can always go to his doctor for a check up.

[@AussieAngeS]

@@EmmaHubbard ok thank you very much Emma, I’ll keep an eye out and address it if it becomes a concern.

[@AussieAngeS]

@@Dominikas48 ok thank you I’ll keep an eye on him.

[@azevedoanamaria]

What to do when your child just started to walk (19 months baby and it's walking for almost 2 months) and it's falling too often and hurting the head sometimes? Thank you!

[@avyaansworld5539]

do massage of his legs 2 or 3 times a day with oil thats suits the baby or in my opinion some oil spcly made for babies for strong legs... it will surely help...or see a paediatric...

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @azevedoanamaria falling over is very common when little ones are learning to walk but if you feel it is more than expected I would take your little one to their doctor to discuss your concerns. The doctor can see you little one in person and determine if a referral to a paediatric physiotherapist or specialist is needed.

[@AyshaHaseeb-xc8kw]

My babby 2 age old he also toe walking . But he is ok with it . Running , jumping , climbing . Doctors said leg has normal that was his mind problem . There is any problem to walk like this , if anyone has know about walking children after recover plz inform me

[@danaparna1]

My baby started toe walking now when he is 3 and half month old. He keeps standing without support and tries to walk all the time and we find it hard to put him back to supine position

[@elizabethunger9190]

Your 3.5 month old is walking? Yeah I don’t think so.

[@danaparna1]

@Elizabeth Unger : I know it's not usual, being a doctor I haven't seen any babies doing this but this is pretty unusual that's why I m concerned! Being a doctor doesn't help you get away from mommy worries! I wish I had a you tube channel to show this to the world

[@EmmaHubbard]

​@@danaparna1 Babies do like to stand if we hold them in this position or help them get up into this position. They tend to bounce up and down and point their toes. Once they get into this position it is really difficult to convince them to play lying on the floor. But I would encourage you to give your little one lots of floor time (on his back and in tummy time) to help these muscles develop. If you haven't got a baby gym I would recommend getting one as this might make it more motivating for him to lie on the floor. Also when placing him on the floor do it through side lying rather through standing, as he is more likely to resist going onto his back when he is going from standing to lying. I demonstrate how to go through side lying in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gF7HZKuCpNx8Zrc

[@danaparna1]

@@EmmaHubbard thank you so much dear. Will definitely try these methods! I really needed help ❤️

[@laibaarshad879]

We're you vax during pregnancy. As I have seems babies reaching their milestones early after nothers have rcvd the shot

[@ludmilavolozonoka198]

Could you please comment on babies shoes, is it better to learn walking barefoot and when to buy first pair of shoes for walking (not just for warmth). Thank you!

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @Ludmila Volozonoka great news, I have actually made a video on this topic already - here is it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZusoYKBetOfhNU

[@steviej7232]

My daughter is 17 months,She toe walk with one side though not that often, it's one week since I noticed.What should I do.

[@EmmaHubbard]

If your concerned I recommend an appointment with a doctor who can see your little one in person and look at their range and tone.

[@NeimaNish7645]

hi my baby is 10 month old doesn't walk but stands on furniture,my problem is that he uses his toes to stand is it normal or I should be worried

[@aarjujamkatel3355]

Any update??

[@aarjujamkatel3355]

My son is also 10 months recently and he is toe standing is it normal ??

[@hifsahsoftech]

How's your son now .plz update

[@ashuvlogs2430]

Pls update

[@tashh8974]

My son is 2.5 and he toe walks, he has global developmental delay and autism, he didn’t start independent walking till he was just after 2. He now walks flat footed on his right but toe walks on his left still, we do see physio and paediatrician for this. But his left leg has very noticeably less muscle tone on the calf and his leg is shorter and the foot is smaller then the right as well. He has recently been to an orthopaedic for an assessment and has tight calf muscle and also the Achilles’ tendon is also to tight and he can’t actually get his left foot to be in the “right” angled position at all. We are looking into getting his foot and leg cast to stretch out the tendon. Just wondering if this is common for kids with autism and sensory issues. I feel like I don’t know anyone who’s going through something similar to my son, it’s at the point where he can’t wear shoes because it’s clear it causes that foot pain.

[@Ann_Aa1]

How is your son doing with toe walking? I’m really desperate to find a solution for my daughter

[@orikuhannah6519]

My son tiptoe and does not put his foot on the floor at all..I went to see a pediatrician to complain,and I was told he is fine...is there anyway I can correct that?

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi! I recommend you take your little one to a paediatric physiotherapist or physical therapist as they can assess if your little one's calf muscles are tight and this is preventing him from putting weight through his foot. If they are tight they can give you exercises to try and lengthen the muscle or discuss options.

[@hifsahsoftech]

How's your son now? Is he walk normally?

[@Cookwithtracy]

My son about be 4 and he still walk on his toes so I be worried

[@maridiaz6219]

Hi Emma , thank you for this great informative video 😊 my daughter is 11 months and has started using a push walker 🤗 her feet are really small for her age, she barely fits into 3-6 months shoe size, do you know if this can cause a delay in her walking and having enough support to balance her weight with small feet? Thank you!

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @Maria Diaz from my experience small feet do not tend to cause delays in a baby learning to walk or affect their balance. Sounds like your little one is making nice gains with her walking and balancing skills if she already using a push walker. 😁

[@krystinagruppuso6832]

Hi Emma , my baby is 15 months old and has been walking for 2 months. She has always walked flat footed but has suddenly started to walk on her tip toes sporadically. I feel like it’s increasing a little each day and I am really worried about ASD. she didn’t showing any other signs but I’m wondering if it’s normal for a baby to suddenly start toe walking after 2 months of waking.

[@sasoasaad450]

Is he ok now?

[@charmilakondayagunta584]

Hi emma u r so helpful... I wish I had someone like you here with me.. Iam from India.. Here there is no much exposure on how to take care of babies.. Iam a first time mother and I have never ever held a baby. So I feel scared to hold my 3 month baby and ask my mom to hold her as iam afraid that I may hurt her.. And also whenever I get any issues in breastfeeding or baby care I don't have anyone to help me.. I feel sad that there are not many lactation consultants or experts who help us in learning how to take care of a baby..

[@ancysanthosh2785]

Hi dear i am from india too. I had all these issues and no one to help me so i know your situation. Now my baby is 9 month old and i even have searched videos on how to hold a baby. If you need any help i would help you based on my mommy life

[@tonihall7810]

My husband is 54 and still walks on his toes .

[@zeeshansofi2127]

so terrifying wife you would have been..😂

[@ict113090]

They may need surgery. They could have abnormally tight Achilles’ tendons. That’s what I had

[@giftabusomwan9178]

My baby is 10mnths now and she still stand with her tip toes holding something is it wrong

[@hifsahsoftech]

How's your baby now ?? My son is same age

[@Jocawe]

My daughters both had left talipes when they was born and it still effects them yet doctors say" it can take years to correct??? :/ "

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @Jo Cawe sorry this is a bit outside my scope. I would recommend following the doctors advice or getting.a second opinion if you are concerned.

[@benjaminperez6620]

My cousin was a toe walker tot. My uncle thought it was funny.

[@LanuMilanu]

Hello my 16 month old baby girl is walking with her legs kinda too open. My mother in law says it's because her bowlegs. I tried massaging (recommended by my mother in law) but i stopped because her tibia bone on one leg feels weird. I'm scared I can break it or make her bowlegs worse. She was born with bowlegs. What should I do? Her Dr. Says to wait that it will eventually get fix. What do recommend? Will it get fix by itself?

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @LULU generally bowed legs will fix themselves over time. I would recommend following her doctors advice. If you're concerned you can always go back to the doctor.

[@LanuMilanu]

@@EmmaHubbard thank you for the reply

[@kaitlinb361]

Have you gone to a chiropractor that specializes in babies (super non aggressive)? My first I noticed walked with one leg toes pointing out. Something was out in her hips. She started pushing her high hair around to watch at just 8 months. But she didn’t start walking until 11 months. I got her adjusted and she started walking by herself one week later

[@crystalrose4296]

My son was bowlegged until he turned 2 and it corrected itself on it's own. He is 3 now with normal legs. Don't worry it will get better. 😊

[@rjcjme]

Great video of things to start looking out for as we get closer to having an unassisted walker on our hands

[@EmmaHubbard]

Glad it was helpful!

[@evaxadoptme8832]

am a dancer so we need to do it

[@allenadayswork2216]

Any advice for asymmetrical butt-scooters!? I think my LO is falling behind with her standing and walking due to her persistent scooting 😖

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @AllenADaysWork generally children who butt-scoot do tend to stand and walk later than their peers. This video on different crawling styles might be helpful (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHqYoWSrfcqje80). The first thing I would help your little one learn is how to get up into standing (I think this video would also be helpful - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHPVpJd8a8uEoqM).

[@ebonneenelson2325]

Last week I took my daughter to the doctor over intoeing because I noticed she would stumble when she would try to walk but the doctor told me it was ok and would correct itself when she’s 3. They pointed at her knees being at 90 degrees to determine if it was an issue or not. I wish this video was out before I called the doctor. The older people tell me I should get special shoes for her. Would I need to get her special shoes?

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @Ebonnee Nelson usually in-toeing does tend to correct itself over time, without the need for special shoes. If you are worried I would recommend recording your little one walking every 3 - 6 months and watching the recordings to see if it is getting worse. If it is getting worse then you can show the doctor the videos.

[@newt1834]

My 10 year old still walks on his tippy toe. I was told by the GP it’s nothing. He’s a strong, athletic young boy. The boy never walks indoors, he never worked like baby steps, just ran off one day, while chasing his cousin and that was it. As a parent I’m not happy he works on his tippy toes, but once people see him they’re like he must be athletic, does he run? I’ve had to place plants at various corners of my home to discourage the running, but no, he runs into them and breaks them. I’m worried about injury when he plays games like soccer and hurling, but he’s doing well as a striker. Basketball and track I’m not really worried about, because his tippy toe working seems to be an advantage. Can it still be corrected?

[@MetaDecker]

Is your son tall? I was always tall and have big feet, I walked on my toes until I was about 12 - never had any problems after!

[@newt1834]

@@MetaDecker yes he is. I have hope then. Thanks

[@Pakistani630]

Hi emma my daughter is 16 month old. She started walking 1 year old . She walked perfectly normal. But now from last one week she started tip toe walking some time. Not all the time in a day but some time. My other two older children use to walk on tip toes till they had Achilles operation in age 12. I am worried that she don’t follow her brothers. Should i be concern or wait to see the dr till she is 2 year old.

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi Nosheen! Usually I wouldn't be concerned until the little one starts walking on their toes most of the time. If it is every now and then, then it is usually fine. I would just keep an eye on it and if she does start to prefer to walk on her toes then I recommend you see a pediatric physiotherapist (or physical therapist) who can see if there is a reason she is walking on her toes and give you exercises if there is some muscle tightening.

[@Pakistani630]

@@EmmaHubbard thanks alot 🙏

[@harishrestha5454]

how is your daughter now ?

[@maryanncastro4125]

Hi Emma. Watching from Philippines. My baby is already 3 months getting 4 on the 6th of Nov. I just noticed that he can make an eye to eye contact if i am talking to him while he was lying on his back but if i talk to him while carrying him he seems to be avoiding eye to eye contact. Is that normal?

[@EmmaHubbard]

Hi @Mary Ann Castro its' great he is making eye contact when lying on his back. I would guess that when you are carrying him, he is really interested in looking at everything around him and this is grabbing his attention. If you are concerned about his hearing or vision then I would recommend you take him to the doctor for a check up.

[@maryanncastro4125]

@@EmmaHubbard yes he is staring around and im trying so hard for him to notice me but he is avoiding me.

[@maryanncastro4125]

@@dungdao1988 hi my baby is now talkative doing eye to eye contact and very responsive.

[@maryanncastro4125]

@@dungdao1988 Stay calm. Dont overthink. Each baby has different time table. If my baby made it yours also😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@dungdao1988]

@@maryanncastro4125thanh you wish you all the best.

[@yinfong438]

How to stop my 17 month tip top he can't stand own his own

[@madamx1995]

Hello did your baby stopped tip toeing?

[@yinfong438]

@madamx1995 yes still but sometimes he will put down

[@madamx1995]

Okay just for my concern is there any other problem other than this in your child

[@yinfong438]

Nope he just tip toeing he can stand his own just that sometimes he needs to balance his self more I only just give him more time who knows he coming 3 years he knows what is going on

[@gazalaatique]

Where is plant ?!?! It looked better with plant

[@EmmaHubbard]

😂 It wasn't looking healthy and people were commenting so decided to remove it. I bring it back next week though!

[@Beetlejuice80s]

40 and a still had flat feet lol

[@EmmaHubbard]

Same here!😂