If you’ve noticed your toddler walking on their tiptoes, you might be wondering if it’s just a phase or something to be concerned about. Tiptoeing is common in toddlers, but understanding why it happens can help you decide whether it’s normal or needs attention.

For most children, it’s just a harmless habit that they outgrow. However, tiptoeing can sometimes affect daily activities, like potty training. When it came to my child, potty training was a cakewalk. But for my sister, it was a struggle—even after her daughter had started nursery school. The reason? Her little one was tiptoeing.

Why Tiptoeing Happens

1. Normal Developmental Phase: Some toddlers experiment with tiptoeing as part of learning balance and coordination.
2. Muscle Tightness: Tight calf muscles or a shortened Achilles tendon can make flat-footed walking uncomfortable.
3. Sensory Sensitivity: Certain textures, surfaces, or sensations may cause a child to walk on their toes.
4. Neurological or Motor Coordination Issues: In some cases, persistent tiptoeing can indicate underlying motor challenges.

How Tiptoeing Can Affect Potty Training

• Balance Challenges: Tiptoeing shifts the child’s weight forward, making it harder to sit steadily on the potty.
• Posture Issues: Improper foot placement affects how toddlers position themselves, leading to discomfort or resistance.
• Delayed Confidence: Difficulty sitting properly can make toddlers reluctant to use the potty, slowing down training.

Tips to Help Your Toddler

1. Encourage Flat-Footed Walking: Simple games like “stomp like an elephant” or walking barefoot on soft surfaces can help.
2. Supportive Footwear & Potty Setup: Non-slip socks, shoes, and a stable potty surface improve safety and confidence.
3. Gentle Stretching: Calf and ankle stretches can reduce discomfort.
4. Patience & Step-by-Step Training: Focus on walking and sitting stability before expecting full potty independence.
5. Seek Professional Advice if Needed: Persistent tiptoeing should be evaluated by a pediatrician or physical therapist to rule out underlying issues.

Tiptoeing in toddlers is often just a harmless phase, but when it persists, it can affect daily activities like potty training, balance, and coordination. With gentle guidance, supportive tools, and a bit of patience, most children gradually outgrow tiptoeing. Paying attention early, offering encouragement, and consulting a pediatrician when needed can make the potty training journey smoother and less stressful for both parent and child.