2 year old walks on her toes?

Question

my niece walks only on her toes. she is 2 and a half years old. my sister in law tells me the doctor said it could mean she will have a speach problem, although it doesnt seem she does. has anyone ever heard of this? where can i find info on it?

Answer 1

I found these two sites check them out. If you think this fits the way your niece behaves, suggest that she be taken to the doctor. It seems the reason your sis in law links the tip-toeing with speech disorder is that tip-toeing is linked with autism. It may be normal for her but maybe not...If there is a problem it is best to have it evaluated early so perhaps they can overcome it.

Here's a quote from the first link:
"Many toddlers enjoy walking on their tiptoes when they are first learning to walk or when they just feel like it. However, if you notice you toddler always walking on his toes it could indicate a physical problem or a motor disorder that requires professional attention."

The second discusses the autism and such.

Answer 2

This can be an early sign of autism. If she has any of the other following symptoms, please talk to her pediatrician ASAP:
hand flapping, lack of eye contact, delayed or losing speech she had, focusing on one specific aspect of a toy instead of using the toy for play value (spinning wheels, only likes one color), lining things up, no social skills/doesn't know how to play with other children. It can also be a sign of a sensory integration dysfunction. Some children don't like certain textures (grass, slimy things, mushy foods) and are sensitive to temperatures. This could be a reason she walks on her toes. You can find tons of information on sensory processing disorders in a great book called The Out of Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz. Does she respond abnormally to other things? Does she like to get wet or messy? These could be clues that she has a sensory problem. In either case, have your sister-in-law mention the toe-walking to her daughter's pediatrician for further examination.

Answer 3

I know a family of 9 and all of them walk on their toes. Except the father, for this family is hereditary on the mother's side. No one has a speach problem. Why do doctors say things like that to people? just be asured that your niece is doing fine.

Answer 4

Some children just walk on their toes. My little girl did it for a good while. I haven't heard that it could indicate a speech problem. I had heard that it could indicate that the muscles and/or tendons in the calves are too short, and that surgery may be required to correct the problem. Try looking on parenting websites such as www.babycenter.com. They may have useful information on this subject.

Answer 5

My grandaughter, now 3, walked on her twos also,until she was about 21/2. Not all the time, but alot. I would question that myself. But she finally just outgrew it and stopped. No speech problems at all. I think some children just go thru that stage

Answer 6

If its just a habit, you could by her some squeaky shoes or sandels that only squeak when she walks on her heels, if she likes the sound she'll be walking fully on her whole foot just to produce the sound. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Not speech problems. It could be an indicator to neurological or muscular problems. Stop talking to your sister-in-law and go see your doctor yourself.

Answer 8

I have seen many young children walk only on their toes. I don't think it means anything.

Answer 9

No, my sister did that, no problems with speeck or anythin. Personally, probably the doc was trying to scare you into making her stop that. She should grow out of it.

Answer 10

i never hurd of that . and i know when i was little i walked on my toes. and i dont have any problem speeking.so time will tell. but i wouldnt worry about it to much.