Why does a 1-year-old baby walk on tiptoes?

Walking on tiptoes is quite common in 1-year-olds. At this age, because babies are just learning to walk, they often rise onto their toes for balance and to explore different surfaces. Most of the time, this is a normal part of development and resolves on its own.

But in a few cases, there could be an underlying reason:

• Tight Achilles tendon: A physical condition that limits ankle flexibility to fully plant the foot.
• Sensory sensitivity: Some babies may be uncomfortable with the feeling of their entire sole on the ground.
• Neurological or developmental conditions: Rarely, tiptoe walking can signal an issue with muscle tone or coordination.

When to consult your pediatrician:

• If your baby constantly walks on tiptoes and never plants the full foot,
• If tiptoe walking is accompanied by delays in speech, social skills, or other motor development,
• If it continues past age 2 without improvement.

In this case, evaluation by a pediatrician or physical therapist would be helpful. If it's temporary and occasional, there's usually no concern.