Toddler Running Awkwardly
The short answer
Toddlers are naturally awkward runners. Running typically develops between 18 and 24 months, and it takes many more months for the running pattern to look smooth and coordinated. Young runners often hold their arms out or up for balance, take short choppy steps, and fall frequently. This improves gradually as balance, coordination, and confidence develop. Truly smooth running usually does not appear until age 3 to 4.
By Age
What to expect by age
Most children at this age are still mastering walking, and running is not yet expected. Some early walkers may begin a fast, unsteady walk that looks like a shuffle or jog. Their base of support is wide, their arms are held high for balance, and they topple over frequently. This is all normal early locomotion development.
This is when most toddlers develop a true running gait, though it looks very different from adult running. They run with a wide base, stiff legs, flat feet, and arms held out to the sides or up by their head for balance. Falls are frequent, especially when turning or stopping. This "toddler run" is completely typical and not a sign of a coordination problem.
Running becomes smoother and more controlled. Children begin running with their arms swinging at their sides rather than held out for balance, and they can stop and change direction more easily. However, some awkwardness is still normal at this age. If your child's running seems significantly more awkward than their peers, or if they run with a persistent limp, stiffness on one side, or pain, discuss this with your pediatrician.
By age 3 to 4, most children have a fairly mature running pattern. They run with their arms swinging, can navigate around obstacles, and stop on command. If your child is still running with significant awkwardness at this age - such as consistently stumbling, running with stiff or asymmetric legs, or avoiding running altogether - a gross motor evaluation can help identify any underlying issues like muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, or joint problems.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler is under 2.5 years and runs with arms out, wide legs, and frequent falls, which is the typical early running pattern.
- Your toddler runs awkwardly on uneven surfaces but moves more smoothly on flat ground.
- Your toddler sometimes trips when running because they are moving faster than their coordination can handle.
- Your toddler runs well most of the time but becomes clumsy when tired, excited, or distracted.
- Your child is over 3 years old and their running is still significantly more awkward than other children their age.
- Your child runs with a consistent limp, favors one leg, or seems to have stiffness or weakness on one side.
- Your child avoids running entirely or complains of pain when they try to run.
- Your child suddenly develops an awkward gait or limp after previously running normally, as this could indicate an injury, infection, or neurological concern.
- Your child's running has been getting progressively worse rather than better, or they are losing motor skills they previously had.
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.