Baby Feet 101: What’s Normal in the First Year?

As parents, we can’t help but notice every little detail about our baby’s body—especially when it comes to those chubby little legs and tiny feet. It’s common to worry if you see flat feet, bowed legs, toes that point inward, or even your baby up on their tiptoes. The good news? Most of these things are completely normal in the first year of life.

Let’s break it down:

Flat Feet

Almost all babies look like they have flat feet. That’s because their feet are naturally cushioned with baby fat, and their arches haven’t fully developed yet. As your child grows and gets stronger, the muscles and ligaments in their feet will gradually form an arch. Most children don’t develop a noticeable arch until somewhere between ages 3 and 6.

• What's normal? Flat feet in the first year (and beyond) are expected.

• When to watch: If your child seems to have pain or has very stiff feet (rare in infants), check in with your pediatrician.

Bow Legs

If you’ve noticed your baby’s legs curve outward, you’re not alone. Babies are often born with bowed legs because of the way they were positioned in the womb. As they start standing and walking, their legs usually begin to straighten out.

• What’s normal? Bowing is common in babies and usually evens out by around age 2.

• When to watch: If bowing looks severe, gets worse after age 2, or only affects one leg, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor.

In-Toeing

Sometimes babies’ toes (or even their whole feet) point inward when they’re lying, crawling, or learning to walk. This is often due to how their hips or legs rotated in the womb. In most cases, children naturally “unwind” as they grow and become more active.

• What’s normal? In-toeing in the first year is usually just a phase.

• When to watch: If it seems extreme or is paired with pain or trouble learning to walk, check with your pediatrician.

Toe-Walking

Many babies experiment with walking on their toes when they’re learning how to balance. Sometimes it’s just curiosity or play. Most toddlers outgrow it and adopt a flat-footed walk as they get stronger and steadier.

• What’s normal? Occasional toe-walking in the first year or two.

• When to watch: If your child always walks on their toes and never puts their heels down past age 2, bring it up with your doctor.

The Big Picture for Baby Feet

In the first year, a baby’s legs and feet are still getting used to life outside the womb. Flat feet, bow legs, in-toeing, and occasional toe-walking are all part of normal development. With time, growth, and plenty of practice moving around, most little ones grow out of these patterns on their own.

*Parent tip: Instead of focusing on the shape of your baby’s legs and feet, keep an eye on how they’re moving and meeting milestones. If they’re getting stronger, more coordinated, and more confident, you’re on the right track.