My Baby Stands on Tippy Toes
The short answer
Many babies stand on their tiptoes when they are first learning to bear weight, and this is usually a normal part of development. Babies are experimenting with balance and leg position, and most will begin to put their feet flat as they gain experience and strength. If your baby can put their feet flat but chooses to stand on tiptoes, this is less concerning than a baby who seems unable to flatten their feet.
By Age
What to expect by age
When held in a supported standing position, many babies at this age stand on their tiptoes. This is extremely common and is considered a normal phase of weight-bearing development. Babies are discovering how their legs and feet work, and toe standing is part of that exploration. As long as your baby can relax their feet when not bearing weight and their ankles do not feel rigid, there is no cause for concern.
As babies begin to pull to stand and cruise along furniture, tippy-toe standing often decreases. However, some babies continue to stand on their toes intermittently, especially when they are excited or trying to reach something. If your baby can and sometimes does stand with flat feet but often chooses tiptoes, this is typically normal. If they exclusively stand on tiptoes and never seem able to get their heels down, mention it to your pediatrician.
Babies who are taking their first steps may stand and walk on tiptoes intermittently. This is part of learning to walk and usually resolves as their walking pattern matures. The key concern is whether your baby can flatten their feet. Try observing them when standing still and relaxed rather than during active play. If their ankles seem tight and they cannot get their heels to the ground even when calm, evaluation is appropriate.
Persistent tippy-toe standing after 15 months, especially if your child cannot flatten their feet when asked or when standing relaxed, should be evaluated. Your pediatrician will check ankle range of motion and may refer to a pediatric orthopedist or neurologist. Common causes include tight Achilles tendons (which respond well to stretching), sensory preferences, or increased muscle tone. Most causes are very treatable with physical therapy.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby stands on tiptoes when excited but can and does put feet flat when calm.
- Your baby is under 12 months and alternates between tiptoe standing and flat-footed standing during supported play.
- Your baby stands on tiptoes when reaching for objects but bears weight on flat feet at rest.
- Your baby briefly stands on tiptoes on cold or unfamiliar surfaces as a sensory response.
- Your baby always stands on tiptoes and never seems to put their feet flat, even when calm and relaxed.
- Your baby's ankles seem stiff and resist gentle stretching toward a flat-foot position.
- Tippy-toe standing is getting more pronounced over time rather than improving.
- Your baby has rigid ankles that cannot be gently moved to a flat-foot position, combined with stiffness in the legs or other motor concerns.
- Your baby was previously standing with flat feet and has started standing exclusively on tiptoes, especially if combined with other changes in movement or behavior.
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.