Is this something I should be worried about???

Jessie's Matron of Honor

Hello Atlanta ladies,

My almost 10-month-old loves to cruise on furniture and walk behind his activity walker. My husband and I have noticed that his left foot is rotated to the side almost 90 degrees when he walks. My initial thought was that this was just a developmental issue (helping with balance?) and would go away over time. Every time I think about it, though, it makes me nervous something is wrong.

Anybody else experience this? Is this normal? Or is this something I need to call the pediatrician about?

myrall

You can certainly talk to your pedi about it. My DD walked like an absolute zombie when she first started walking, with her feet turned all the way out. I was concerned and asked my pedi. Much of what DD was doing was completely normal for learning to walk. It is something they watch for as the child ages, though. 

Daisygirl613

i was watching vids of my son when he was about 9 months...using his push lion walker toy and his feet were pointed out to the sides.  i remember asking my pedi about it then and he said it's totally normal.  my son walks totally normally.  

Mrs.Guz

If you are worried about it, wouldn't hurt to have it checked out by the dr. But I will say that one of Abigail's feet turned turned out a good bit for a while. (My MIL insisted that that was why my child didn't start walking until almost 17 months). I had asked the dr (just to shut my MIL up!!) and they didn't seem at all concerned and said that if she's still not walking by her 18 month appt then they would look into it. But no need! It corrected itself once she was ready to start walking!

Jessie's Matron of Honor

Thank y'all so much for making this mama feel better. I did put a call into the pediatrician just to be safe, but I feel much better after reading your responses.

AugustaBride04

My DD did the same thing.  My Dad stressed me out over it b/c he was always talking about it.  We talked to a friend of ours that is a physical therapist and our pedi.  Both said that as children are learning how to walk they tend to compensate with one foot to learn how to balance etc. They both said if it wasn't better 3 - 6 months after she learned to walk then they would be concerned and have her re-evaluated. I should mention they did check her leg/hips out thoroughly before they gave this advice.