When to be concerned
Kids develop skills differently – some more quickly than others – but if you're concerned that your child may have a physical delay or if he missed a motor milestone (he's not walking by 18 months, for example), bring it up with his doctor.
There may be perfectly logical reasons for your child's taking his time. Maybe he's busy working on another developmental task, like talking. Or maybe he just likes to take his time whenever he learns a new skill.
Toddlers who are heavier or who were born prematurely often learn to walk a little later than others.
Most children walk on their toes occasionally when they're cruising, especially on bare floors. Some do it just for fun. But your child shouldn't toe-walk the majority of the time.
If you notice that your child walks on his toes all the time, he may have a physical problem (such as a short Achilles tendon) that's preventing him from putting his feet flat on the floor. It could also be a sign of a more serious motor disorder, such as mild cerebral palsy.
Your child's feet may turn in slightly when he walks. This is called in-toeing. For almost all kids, in-toeing improves by itself over time. If it doesn't, consult your child's doctor.
Children also tend to be bow-legged during their first few years of life, but their legs should straighten out by around age 2.
By age 4, he'll be able to stand on one foot for a few seconds. By 5, he may be able to skip. Skipping looks like pure fun but is actually a complicated skill that requires a new level of coordination and balance.
As your child's physical skills develop, you may want to channel his energy into organized group activities, such as soccer or gymnastics.