Three-year-old child walks unsteadily

We often see parents bringing their babies to see doctors in many hospitals. In fact, this situation does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the child's body, but rather a problem encountered during the growth and development process. Children around three years old should be able to run and jump when walking, but some children still walk unsteadily. This cannot be ruled out as being caused by late walking development, the influence of walkers, or physical reasons.

Why do babies like to walk on tiptoe?

1. Your baby is learning to walk

The calf muscles of babies who are just learning to walk are often tense, their body coordination is not enough, they have not yet adapted to different surfaces, and they lack a sense of ground contact, so they are accustomed to walking on tiptoes. Medically speaking, this process helps babies improve their balance and strengthen their foot muscles. It usually doesn't last long and will return to normal.

2. It’s about curiosity

The furnishings in the home are designed from an adult's perspective, so when the baby starts walking, he or she may find new things on the coffee table or be curious about the cushions on the sofa. Therefore, in order to touch these objects, the baby must stand on tiptoe. This is normal and represents that the baby has the ability to solve problems. However, if the frequency is too frequent, the baby's feet may not only fall easily, but may even cause skeletal and muscle injuries because the skeletal muscles of the baby's feet are not fully developed. Parents are advised to place toys within the reach of their baby.

3. Influenced by baby walkers

When preparing a walker for the baby, the height is not adjusted properly, causing the baby's walking center of gravity to rush forward, thus making the baby accustomed to walking on tiptoes.

4. Shoes don’t fit

In most cases, it is normal for babies to walk on tiptoe, but it may also be affected by some external factors, such as ill-fitting shoes or uncomfortable socks.

5. Caused by abnormal leg development

Some babies have abnormal leg development and their Achilles tendons are too short, which affects their walking function. Mild cases can be corrected through muscle training, but serious cases should be corrected by consulting a doctor.

6. Caused by cerebral palsy

If your baby is always on tiptoe from learning to stand to learning to walk, you should be particularly vigilant, as this may indicate that your baby has high muscle tone (one of the manifestations of cerebral palsy). Because cerebral palsy can cause limb movement dysfunction, it is best to take your baby to the hospital for examination.

When should you see a doctor if you walk on tiptoes?

Walking on tiptoes may also indicate that the baby has a certain degree of brain damage or abnormal leg development, which requires parents to pay enough attention. If your baby shows any of the following symptoms, you need to be alert:

?Walking on tiptoes persists for a long time and does not disappear.

?Tiptoeing is associated with delayed motor development.

?Walking on tiptoe causes poor visual and auditory response.

?Walking on tiptoes accompanied by other abnormal postures.

What should I do if my baby walks on tiptoes?

1. Say goodbye to baby walkers

Some babies use walkers too early, and not only do they walk on tiptoe during the toddler stage, but their walking posture is still incorrect when they grow up. Therefore, parents, please note that when your baby is learning to walk, try not to use a walker.

2. Choose the right shoes

Some babies may walk like this because of the problem of shoes, so it is also important to choose suitable shoes for babies in the toddler stage. It is best to choose shoes with a forefoot that is easier to bend, which is conducive to starting and also helps to develop a correct walking posture.