Standing on tip-toes?

JandM524

When you hold your infant up to help them stand, do they stand on their tip-toes?  I read that it is normal in some aspects in that the Achilles tendon is stretching out still so it will be tight, pulling the toes downward.  However, I also read that it is also an early indication of cerebral palsy, more common in premature infants.  My little girl is now almost 6 months old and was born at 28 weeks so we fall into that category.  None of my friends have children yet so I thought I would come here to see if it is normal at this stage.  

 

I know I should stop reading so much on the internet but I like to be informed.  She has an appointment next week with the doctor, I will also talk to her.  

 

Thanks guys!  

Cara03

My ds did/does stand and walk on tip toes quite a bit and there's been no mention of CP by any of his doctors or specialists. I don't have any knowledge on this, but that's been our experience.

Denesdia

Our 25 weeker kind of stalled out in the phase when standing on tip-toes was developmentally appropriate.  We were even told to not use an exersaucer to reduce the temptation, as she was too short to reach the bottom in any of those type of toys.  We ended up using physical therapy to address muscle rigidity in her core that impacted how she figured out walking and other gross motor issues.  We stayed with therapy until DD was walking and discharged from the NICU follow up clinic at 2 y.o.  Never once did anyone mention CP.  These muscle development issues are also typical in preemies. 

jacque_z

My D started out standing on her toes as well.  She still walks occasionally on her toes.  She doesn't have CP and her Development Specialist has never indicated a link between the two.  I think there are other much more noticeable indicators of CP that would present themselves as a concern.  (My bff's son has CP).  Is your D seen by EI? 

kck329

Muscle tone issues are common with preemies. If you are worried, you can ask your pedi. But your LO is only 6m old so I don't think you need to be too concerned about CP at this point. Is he hitting his motor skill milestones on time for his adjusted age? If so, you are probably ok.

CP isn't usually diagnosed until after 1 year because it becomes more obvious when babies start standing/cruising/walking/etc. 

spain116

All babies have a plantar reflex that causes them to flex their toes.  They will grow out of it, but just like everything else, it takes a little longer in preemies.  LO was also born at 28 weeks and did this regularly until 6 months adjusted.  The PT said it was perfectly normal.

JandM524

I cannot thank you all enough for your responses.  I have been a wreck these last couple of days worrying about it.  This is the article I read stemming from my worry: https://www.babycenter.com/0_your-child-is-walking-on-her-toes_12580.bc  With her low birth weight, gestational age, symptoms, etc. I got pretty freaked.  I'm working on not reading things like this anymore..it is tough not to.  

 

We are starting her early intervention next week.  We are lucky enough to be seen by two different places; free from our county health specialists and the program from the hospital where she was born.  We will have a pretty good understanding of her abilities and needs very soon.  I am SO, SO thankful to have this board.  It truly has helped me a lot.  As a first time mom with the circumstances we have, it is so nice to have this community and support from other parents who have similar experiences.  

 

THANK YOU!!