0-18 months

Early Development

During the first 18 months, your child’s feet and legs undergo rapid change as they progress from their earliest movements to crawling, pulling themselves upright and taking their first steps.

At this stage, the feet are naturally soft, flexible and often appear flat because the developing arch is concealed by a protective fatty pad. The legs may appear slightly bowed, while the feet may turn inward or outward as your child learns to balance and bear weight. These features are commonly part of normal early development and often change naturally as strength, coordination and confidence improve.

Every child develops at their own pace. However, a paediatric foot assessment may provide reassurance and guidance if you notice marked asymmetry, a rigid foot position, persistent discomfort, unusual movement patterns or concerns regarding your child’s progress.

Feet at birth

A baby’s feet naturally appear soft and flat because the developing arch is concealed by a protective fatty pad. The muscles and structures supporting the arch also require time to mature. A visible arch is therefore not expected during infancy.

At this age the foot naturally rests in different positions following the baby’s time in the womb. Most remain soft and flexible, gradually changing as the baby begins to move and grow.
Curved or turned-in feet

Some babies have feet that curve or turn inward. While many flexible positions improve naturally, a foot that appears rigid, strongly curved or noticeably different from the other may benefit from assessment.
Curly or overlapping toes

Curled or overlapping toes are relatively common in babies and may become less noticeable once standing and walking begin.

Assessment may be helpful if the toes are rigid or later begin rubbing against footwear and causing discomfort.
Leg alignment

A slightly bowed appearance is common during infancy and early weight-bearing. It is common to see a gentle outward curve of the legs, known as genu varum. This is influenced by their position before birth and may become more noticeable when they begin standing and walking.

Mild, symmetrical bowing usually improves naturally as the legs grow, bear weight and walking.
Crawling and movement symmetry

Babies develop their own ways of moving and crawling. Observing whether both sides of the body are being used similarly can help identify persistent asymmetry or difficulty with movement.
Pulling to stand

Pulling upright helps develop balance, strength and coordination. During this stage, the feet may appear flat or turn slightly inward or outward as the child learns to support their weight.
Preparation for first steps

A child’s first steps are normally broad-based, cautious and unsteady. The arms may be held outward and the feet may point in different directions while the child develops confidence and balance.

Before independent walking begins, children practise shifting their weight, balancing and moving while holding onto furniture. Their early stance is usually seen as this wide and unsteady gait.
Delayed or asymmetrical motor development

Every child develops at an individual pace. An assessment may be helpful if movement appears consistently one-sided, a limb is avoided, or there are concerns about progress towards standing and walking.

Our Process

Appointment

We start by listening. Tell us about your symptoms, concerns, lifestyle and what you’d like to get back to doing comfortably.
Assess

We examine your feet and lower limbs, looking at movement, structure and function to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Foot Scan

Where appropriate, advanced pressure and gait analysis helps us see how your feet interact with the ground and identify patterns that may not be visible to the eye.
Treatment Plan

We bring everything together to create a personalised treatment plan, with clear recommendations designed around your findings, needs and goals.