toddler occasionally toe walking, cause for concern?

[ikeaismylocal]

Ds is 17 months, he's been walking since 10 months but recently he has started to occasionally walking on his toes. He only does it when he has no shoes on inside, he always walks normally outside and often walks normally inside.

Do other people's toddlers occasionally toe walk? I have read it can indicate an issue, I'll ask at his next check up I'm just interested if other parents have noticed their children doing this?

yes mine does, he's 22mo. I thought he did it for something to do - like the way he sometimes thrusts his bottom jaw out into an underbite, or just makes himself go rigid/strain all over for a few seconds. I just assumed it was just the way they 'test' all the new things they can make their body to.

My DD used to jump in her ties in her jumperoo. She still loves twitching her toes and tensing them. I remember reading somewhere that this may indicate a deficiency of some sort, but due to being so sleep deprived, I can't remember what! If you do find out, please let me know.

My prem was tested because he often walks on his toes, and they wanted to ensure he was ok. He is - and the paediatrician said that 99% of the time toddlers do this because it's easier to balance on their toes. They will happily check it out if you want complete peace of mind, though!

It's good to hear other toddlers also do this, I have always been worried about autism but he isn't showing any other signs so I think I need to try and relax about it!

both of my daughters went through phases of this. I really wouldn't worry about it.

I'm sure it's just a phase but make sure it doesn't go on too long, and that he'll walk on flat feet when asked. A child I know did this and was never corrected, they are now 8 and having all sorts of problems and related hospital treatment because their calf muscles are too short. I don't want to scare-monger, just advise checking every now and then that he can walk flatfooted.

My dd1 did it for a bit at about 18 months (started walking at 13 months). She was not premature but was v low birthweight (not sure that's relevant but anyway!). I worried a bit about it because I was very premature myself and toe walked for ages. I did have leg/ankle problem (balance and strength related I suppose) and still do as a result (they ignored this stuff when I was born in the late seventies).

However, the point is, dd stopped doing it after a couple of months (I encouraged her not to if I saw her doing it). I think it was just a phase in her case. We found buying good quality soled shoes helped her to put her whole foot down.

I would keep an eye on it for a little while and if it continues, see GP if you're worried.

My dd is basically your dd with regards to age and walking etc... She does it too, I never even really considered it a problem, I assume it's the same as her tugging her hair or sucking her toes.. Exploring her body!

My 1 year old daughter does this (more than occasionally she does it all the time) and also walks with her feet pointed inward, my father thought it might be clubfoot so i went to doctors and the doctor informed me that its normal, and most children grow out of it, that I should try encourage her to walk straight (easier said than done) and nothing will be diagnosed until their toddler years are over.

Hope this helps x