Little Feet, Big Questions: What’s Normal in Baby Foot Development?

If having a new baby wasn’t enough of a minefield, the world of baby foot conditions can bring up even more questions (and worry) for parents. Do their feet turn in? Or out? Do they have funny-looking toes? Or are you just so sleep-deprived that everything’s starting to look a little hazy?

The truth is, newborn feet are very different from ours, and it’s perfectly normal to notice a few quirks. So, what’s considered normal—and when should you seek advice?

From Birth: What to Expect

Let’s start right at the beginning. After spending around 40 weeks all curled up in the womb, babies often arrive looking a little... squashed. It’s not unusual for their feet to turn inwards or upwards. This is completely normal and happens to lots of newborns.

If a baby’s feet are turned in at birth but are still flexible, this is called positional talipes. It usually improves over time with gentle stretches and exercises and those little feet get used to having more space to move.

It’s important to know that positional talipes is different from clubfoot (sometimes called fixed talipes), which is a non-flexible foot position. Clubfoot is usually diagnosed before birth and treated with casting, and sometimes surgery. Understanding the difference between positional and fixed talipes is key—especially because Dr. Google can be terrifying if you mix the two up!

Another foot condition may have heard of something called a “rocker bottom foot”. This rare condition gives the foot a curved shape, almost like the bottom of a rocking chair. It happens when the talus bone in the foot is positioned vertically, and the foot often turns outwards as well. Like clubfoot, rocker bottom foot is usually treated with casting and, in some cases, surgery.

Tiny Toes

Once the newborn phase passes, baby’s feet start becoming more functional—though they might still spend more time in mouths than on the ground!

You might notice your baby gripping the floor with their toes when they begin to stand. This is completely normal. Standing for the first time is tricky, and just like adults might curl their toes for balance when standing on one leg, babies do the same as they learn to steady themselves.

If your child’s toes still look curly even when they’re not standing or moving, they might have a harmless condition known as (very creatively) curly toes. This usually affects the 3rd and 4th toes and tends to resolve on its own by age 5. Unless it’s causing discomfort or skin irritation, there’s usually no need to worry.

It’s completely natural to have questions about your baby’s development, especially when it comes to something as complex (and important!) as their feet. Most foot shapes and walking patterns in babies and young children are part of normal development—and with time, they often sort themselves out. If you are concerned reach out to a paediatric physiotherapist and we can help you understand what is normal.