Why Does My Child Walk Like That? A Guide to Flat Feet and Pigeon Toes

Watching your toddler take their first wobbly steps is a milestone you will never forget. But as they gain confidence and start to run, you might notice they walk a little differently than you expected. If your child seems to have flat feet or walks with their toes pointing inward (often called "pigeon toes"), it is completely normal to feel concerned.

The good news? Most of the time, this is simply a part of growing up.

When babies are born, their feet are padded with adorable, extra fat that hides their arches. Because their joints are incredibly flexible, those arches might not fully appear until they are around five or six years old.

Similarly, in-toeing usually comes from a slight, natural twist in your baby’s leg bones or hips. This twist is essentially a leftover habit from how they were curled up in the womb. As your child grows, runs, and builds muscle strength, their legs naturally untwist, and their walking straightens out.

For the vast majority of kids, no special shoes, braces, or physical therapy are needed. They just need time and space to play.

When to check in with a doctor: While flat feet and in-toeing usually resolve on their own, trust your gut if something feels off. It is a good idea to see a paediatric specialist if:

• They are over the age of 8 and still severely in-toeing.

• They are in pain. Walking or running should not cause your child foot or leg aches.

• They trip constantly. While toddlers are naturally clumsy, look out for falling that seems much more frequent than other kids their age.

• It is only on one side. If only one foot turns inward or one foot is completely flat while the other has an arch, a doctor should take a look.

• They develop a limp or suddenly change how they walk.