Does your child have frequent falls? Do they trip over their feet or over obstacles that might be in their path? Read on for ideas on how you can help!
Have you ever watched your child take off across the playground, only to see them trip over their own feet and tumble to the ground…again? Occasional spills are just part of being a kid, but if your child seems to fall all the time, it might leave you wondering what’s really going on.
As pediatric therapists, especially those of us that are educationally based, we are called in to check on these kids all the time. Teachers notice them constantly tripping and falling in the classrooms, hallways and on the playground.
There are lots of different reasons kids might be tripping and falling, and the good news is—there are also lots of simple things you can try to help! And don’t miss the free printable handout!
Contact vs. Non-Contact Falls
The first thing we think about is how the child is falling.
Contact falls happen when kids bump into other children, walls, or objects because they don’t notice what’s in their way. Sometimes this is about paying attention and other times it has to do with how their eyes work together to track movement or judge distance (the visual system).
Non-contact falls happen when kids trip without bumping into anything. This might be because they’re catching their toes, losing their balance, or not quite strong enough to keep themselves steady. Kids who are extra flexible or who have low body tone can also be more likely to stumble, because their bodies don’t always give them clear signals about where they are in space — a sensory system called proprioception needs a little work in this case!
Frequent Falls: What Therapists Look At
If a child is having frequent falls and tripping, here are some of the big areas we check:
Balance strategies: When kids start to tip, do they know how to take a quick step to catch themselves? Can they stop or change directions quickly? These skills are key for safe running and play.
Protective reactions: Do they put their hands out when they fall? This is how kids protect themselves from bigger injuries.
Strength: Weak tummy, hip, or leg muscles can make it harder to keep the body upright. We especially look at the muscles that help kids balance on one leg, since running is really just a series of one-leg balances!
Feet and posture: The way a child’s feet are shaped or the way they stand can make a big difference in how they move. Even mild differences in foot alignment can lead to more tripping. Are their shoes fitting correctly or are they too big for their feet? A shoe that is even 1 size too big can cause all kinds of problems for a child on the go!
Movement system (vestibular skills): Kids today don’t get as much spinning, rolling, or swinging as in the past. These movements actually help the inner ear and brain figure out where the body is in space. Without enough of this kind of play, kids can struggle with balance.
Visual system: Visual difficulties can have a major impact on how a child moves through their day and can be the cause of frequent falls and tripping. Check basic visual tracking by having them track a toy with their eyes as you move it in an H pattern in front of them. Then bring the toy close to their face and see if their eyes come together. If they don’t come together, it can impact their ability to respond to objects in their path. These kids also have a lot of difficulty visually tracking a ball that is thrown to them.
Age Matters Too
If a child is around 2 years old, frequent falls can be completely normal. Toddlers are still figuring out how to run fast, slow down, and change directions without losing balance. If a child is older and still falling a lot, it’s worth paying closer attention.
What Can We Do To Help With Frequent Falls?
The best part? Helping kids get steadier on their feet doesn’t have to feel like “work.” Play is the best medicine!
Here are some of our favorite ideas:
Animal walks (bear walk, crab walk, frog jumps) for strength.
Swinging, rolling, or gentle spinning to give the vestibular system a workout. Want more fun vestibular ideas? Check these out!
Heel walks to build strength in the muscles that lift the toes.
Balance play like hopping on one foot, walking a line on the sidewalk, or playing freeze dance. Check out our ideas for working on single leg stance!
Lots of playground time—climbing, sliding, and running on different surfaces are all great for building coordination.
The Bottom Line
All kids take a tumble now and then, but if tripping and falling seems to happen more than usual, it could be a sign that a child needs a little extra support with balance, strength, or coordination. The good news? With the right mix of active play and (if needed) guidance from a pediatrician or therapist, most kids can become stronger, steadier, and more confident movers!