A toddler should stop waddling when walking by the time they are 3 to 4 years old.
Waddling when walking is very normal in toddlers, especially up to 3 years old and as they grow and age and gain more balance and coordination the toddler will eventually stop waddling when walking.
If the toddler is still waddling after 3 years old then it may be a problem with the toddlers gait and they should see a doctor.
But it's perfectly okay and normal for toddlers to waddle as they learn to walk and continue to develop.
The reason why toddlers waddle is because a toddlers body is still developing the necessary coordination as well as balance and muscle strength.
Waddling in toddlers is a normal part of the toddler's developmental process as they establish their walking pattern.
Common characteristics of a toddlers waddle are a wide stance and outward pointing feet, coupled with a swaying motion.
Toddlers are still developing their coordination and balance, which are essential for a smooth and adult like gait.
The muscles in the toddler's legs and hips are also not yet strong enough to support a more refined walking pattern, which leads to the wider stance and swaying motion in toddlers as they walk.
And the toddlers nervous system is also still developing the pathways which control their movement, and practice is key for the toddler to strengthening those pathways.
And a wider stance also provides a larger base support, making it easier for toddlers to catch themselves when they lose their balance.
Babies also have fat pads on the soles of their feet and may not have the same muscle strength and ligament stability as older children.
And some toddlers even naturally walk with their feet turned outward, "out toeing", which can also result in a waddling appearance in toddlers.
A waddling gait in toddlers is normal, especially in toddlers under the age of 3 years old, although it should become less pronounced as the toddler grows and develops.