Running
What is Running in child development?
Running is the toddler motor milestone where a child moves faster than a walk, briefly lifting both feet off the ground. It typically emerges between 18 and 24 months and becomes smoother by 2 to 3 years, reflecting growing balance, leg strength, coordination and confidence. Early running is stiff and wobbly, which is normal, and a gentle developmental review is worth considering if a child is not attempting to run by around 2 years.
Those first wobbly bursts of speed across the room — when walking turns into running — are a wonderful leap in your toddler's growing body.
In short
Running is the motor milestone where a toddler moves faster than a walk, briefly lifting both feet off the ground between steps. It usually emerges between 18 and 24 months, becoming smoother and more controlled by around 2 to 3 years. Running shows that a child's balance, leg strength, coordination and confidence are all developing together — it is one of the gross-motor skills (ICF b7) we love to see blossom in the toddler years.What running looks like as it develops
Early running is charmingly stiff — a fast, flat-footed shuffle with arms held out for balance and frequent tumbles. This is completely normal. Over the following months you will notice longer strides, arms swinging more naturally, the ability to start, stop and change direction, and running over uneven ground or around obstacles. Each of these steps reflects maturing balance, core stability, and the coordination between both sides of the body. Running also feeds confidence, social play and exploration — it is far more than just moving fast.When to seek a gentle review
Consider a developmental check if, by around 2 years, your child is not yet attempting to run, frequently falls in a way that seems unusual, walks persistently on tiptoe, or strongly favours one side of the body. These observations are simply an invitation to look closer — never a verdict.The Pinnacle way
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, never from an app or form. Our team looks at the whole picture of running and gross-motor growth and, where helpful, builds an individualised plan that may draw on occupational therapy.Trusted sources
CDC developmental milestone guidance on toddler motor skills; the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren on movement milestones; WHO Nurturing Care Framework on early childhood development.Next step — If you would like to understand your toddler's motor development, book a developmental review to map their strengths and start any helpful support early.
What to watch
Not attempting to run by around 2 years, frequent unusual falls, persistent tiptoe walking, or strongly favouring one side of the body.
Try this at home
Make running joyful and safe — play gentle chase games, roll a ball for your toddler to fetch, or set up a soft obstacle course in the garden so balance and confidence grow through play.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 730 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 toddlers begin to run between 18 and 24 months, with a stiff, flat-footed style at first. Running becomes smoother and more controlled by around 2 to 3 years.
Is it normal for my toddler to fall often while running?
Yes — early running is wobbly and tumbles are completely normal as balance and coordination mature. If falls seem unusual or your child walks persistently on tiptoe, a gentle developmental review is worthwhile.
What should I do if my child is not running by age 2?
It is simply an invitation to look closer, not a cause for alarm. A developmental review can map your child's motor strengths and suggest any helpful, playful support.