Walking (gait) abnormalities

Watch a 1 year old wobble around, and you'll see her gait, or walking cycle, doesn't quite resemble that of an adult. She'll have a wider stance, rapid cadence and short steps. In fact, it takes until around age 3 for kids to display clear adult walking patterns.

• During your child's first few years walking, they may have obvious gait abnormalities—disturbances in what is considered the normal walking cycle for that age group
• The most common types of gait abnormalities are intoeing, outtoeing, limping and toe walking
• Many gait disturbances are common and correct themselves on their own
• Gait disturbances rarely require medical assistance