running
Is it normal that my toddler isn't running yet?
Most toddlers begin running between about 18 and 24 months, after walking is steady, and many aren't smooth runners until closer to 2 — so a child who walks well but isn't running yet is almost always normal. Seek a developmental check if there's no independent walking by 18 months, no faster movement by around 2, marked stiffness or floppiness, or any loss of skills. This is reassurance to monitor, not a diagnosis.
If your toddler is happily on the move but not quite running yet, that watchful care you're showing is exactly what helps little ones thrive.
In short
For most children, running develops gradually between about 18 and 24 months, after walking is steady — and many toddlers aren't smooth runners until closer to 2. So if your child is walking well, climbing, and starting to move quickly with that stiff, charming early run, this is almost always perfectly normal. A developmental check is wise if your toddler is not walking independently by 18 months, isn't attempting any faster movement by around 2, seems very stiff or very floppy, or has lost a skill they once had.What to watch
Running is a building-block skill — it grows out of balance, leg strength and confidence. Gentle things to notice between 12 and 36 months:- Around 12–15 months — walking independently begins; running isn't expected yet.
- Around 18 months — fast, stiff-legged walking and "toddling at speed"; not yet a true run.
- Around 24 months — a clearer, more coordinated run, though falls are still common.
- By ~30–36 months — running with better balance, starting and stopping, perhaps kicking a ball.
Flags worth a clinician's eye: no independent walking by 18 months, walking only on toes most of the time, marked stiffness or floppiness, strongly favouring one leg, or any loss of movement skills.
The science
Gross-motor milestones follow a wide-but-predictable window. Variation of several months is entirely typical, and a child who walks a little later often runs a little later too — usually well within normal range. Early observation simply turns small differences into early opportunities.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an online list. If movement is the worry, our occupational therapy and physiotherapy teams build playful, strength-and-balance support, and you can learn how we follow running and other gross-motor skills over time.Trusted sources
WHO and Nurturing Care framework on early child development; American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org) gross-motor milestone guidance; CDC "Learn the Signs, Act Early" milestones.Next step — Trust what you've noticed. Book a developmental check so your toddler's movement is reviewed with clarity and care.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Running usually emerges between 18 and 24 months, after steady walking. Seek a check if your toddler isn't walking independently by 18 months, isn't attempting faster movement by around 2, walks mostly on toes, seems very stiff or floppy, strongly favours one leg, or has lost a movement skill they once had.
Try this at home
Make movement playful: chase gentle bubbles, walk on cushions, or play 'follow me' across the room. Short bursts of fun practice build the balance and leg strength that running needs — keep a weekly note of new movement skills to share with a clinician.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 540 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
At what age do toddlers usually start running?
Most children begin a stiff, early run between about 18 and 24 months, after walking is steady, with smoother running developing closer to 2 to 3 years. A range of several months is entirely normal.
My toddler walks well but isn't running — should I worry?
Usually not. Running builds on walking, balance and leg strength, and often follows a few months later. If your child walks independently and is climbing and moving confidently, this is typically normal development.
When should I seek a developmental check about my toddler's movement?
Arrange a check if your toddler isn't walking independently by 18 months, walks mostly on toes, seems very stiff or floppy, strongly favours one leg, or has lost movement skills. These are reasons to assess early, not a diagnosis.