My 18 month old daughter drags her feet. She stumped her toe, so I started watching her more carefully to make sure she did do it again. That is when I noticed her dragging her feet, thus why she stumped her toe in the first place. During this summer she refused to wear shoes and when I did put them on her she took them off. She walks, runs, jumps, and plays just fine. I just am wondering why she drags her feet. Has anyone else noticed their child dragging their feet? Could something be wrong? Do I just need to make her wear shoes? Thanks in advance.
When did she start walking? if its fairly rescently she may still be experimenting with ways to walk. and keeping shoes off of her is better than putting them on.
has she always been dragging her feet? If so, I'd ask your pediatrician about it. Most likely, though, she's just found a new way to walk that she thinks is fun. My daughter (23 mo) has always found walking on tiptoes very fun. She can also walk normally, runs flat-footed etc., she just likes it, I guess. My doc says she's fine. Who knows what is going on in toddler's heads? She'll probably move on to some other amusing habit soon.
If you remain concerned, you may get her evaluated at an Occupational Therapist to be sure her muscles are developing and there are no other issues. I find getting some input as to whether this could be concerning and what are other things in combo to look for is always very helpful and worth the appointment with someone like this. There is a great set of therapist called:
It T's for Children
###-###-#### - 2320 Perimeter Park Dr, #100, Atlanta, GA
J.
Good Morning A.: Please see your Doctor about your daughter dragging her feet, that's not normal. See may have a neurological deficit that can be treated; the sooner the better for her future mobility.
My son does that from time to time, waking and riding his trike!! His poor toe nails are all chewed up from it too cause he wears sandles all the time or is barefoot. But it's something he does to himself so I'm not too concerned about it.
Now if you daughter was a late walker then she might just still be getting those legs muscles stronger and there for her feet get away from her. If it looks like something she can't control, talk to her DR about it. Or it could be something she is doing on purpose because now it gets a rise out of you because you show her extra attention when she gets hurt and from you asking her not to do that too!! If you think she is doing it on purpose, ignore it and let natural consaquences have their way (ie, stubbed toes) and the thrill will wear off and she'll find something else to get you all worked up!!
Good luck!
S.
