Toddler out footed

[Maria96]

Hi guys

I am new on this so please bare with me 😬

My Son is 13 months old. He is learning to walk using his first steps walker, and also holding onto furniture. I have noticed he places one foot very outwards. I'm not sure whether I should be worried. I have been searching online which dosen't help much.

Hi @Maria96, we're just giving this thread a bump for you - hopefully some Mumsnetters will be along shortly with some words of wisdom.

Hi OP

I think it is so hard to say whether it's normal or not but I know the NHS does say some toddlers can walk with feet pointing inwards or outwards for a bit until they get use to walking as it's your sons first steps I wouldn't worry too much.
But if you do think somethings not right perhaps a quick call to your HV maybe you could even arrange to send them a video showing your son walking with the one foot out and they can advise.
Sorry I'm not much use but I think it can be normal to start off with.
Hopefully someone else will come along with better advice for you

Thank you guys!

I spoke to my HV this morning! She told me that most children begin to walk like that! But she's going to call back in three weeks to review how he's doing! Feel a lot better!

Is he maybe a bit flat footed?

My 15yo DS is and if he's walking barefoot his feet naturally spread outwards. When he's wearing his shoes with orthotics in his feet are in a more 'normal' position.

@WhatHaveIFound I'm not sure he might be! Did your 15 month old start walking with his feet out? My son hasn't started walking yet, I'm a little worried that this problem may delay his walking?

Maria96 He's 15 years old. His flat feet weren't picked up until he was nearly 10 (despite my MIL being an ex HV) and had pain when he was running

He was a tiptoe walker when he first started but looking at old photos his feet do seem to spead out on them. Doesn't that help them steady themselves in the first few week?

My DS had almost 6 months of cruising until he finally got the courage to let go so it's pobably just worth keeping an eye on your son but not panicing too much.

I was told this is essential so they strengthen the bones on both sides of their feet and it helps to prevent flat foot in the future. Did not know that.

I looked this up the other week on the NHS website as our 16 month old has started walking and his right foot is a bit at an angle. Their Webpage assures it's quite common and they usually grow out of it. Good luck with the review.