Why do toddlers go up and down the stairs on hands and knees ?

My son is 17 months international age currently. He started walking early up by 8 months like my parents say I was and very active. YET he can't be walked or led up and down stairs on his feet. He will let go of your hand..... just so he can turn around backwards to go downstairs looking backwards and stepping down carefully with his hands on the dirty ground or either crawl up the stairs down on all fours like some kind of animal. How can a kid walk, run, jump, and skip literally everywhere they want to go even climb and fall off of where they were placed when you don't want them to YET can't walk stairs on two feet?!

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ElwoodBlues · M

I would guess your toddler is afraid of falling down the staircase. It's much bigger fall than just running on flat ground. But the reason why doesn't matter very much. You need to gently teach him not to be afraid.

Hold his hand and go up one step. Then turn him around and ask him to descend that one step. Do it a few times, then reward him. Later, try again with two steps. Get him comfortable with two steps, and reward him. Next day, three steps, etc. Show him you're holding the rail, if he stumbles you've got him and the rail. It's just a matter of gentle teaching.

And if all else fails, beat him with a cane. NO! JUST KIDDING! I would NEVER suggest anybody beat a child!!