My Baby Isn't Kicking Their Legs
The short answer
Most babies begin kicking their legs actively within the first few weeks of life, and leg kicking becomes more vigorous and coordinated by 2-3 months. If your baby is not kicking their legs or kicks very infrequently, it could be related to muscle tone, prematurity, or other factors. Your pediatrician can help determine if evaluation is needed.
By Age
What to expect by age
Newborns move their legs in reflexive, somewhat jerky patterns. By 6-8 weeks, most babies are kicking more purposefully, especially when excited or during diaper changes. Premature babies may be less active initially, and this is expected. However, a full-term baby who rarely moves their legs, whose legs feel very floppy or very stiff, or who moves one leg much more than the other should be evaluated. Some newborns are simply calmer and move less, but a complete absence of leg movement is always worth discussing.
By this age, babies typically kick vigorously and joyfully, especially when they see a familiar face or during play. Their leg movements become smoother and more rhythmic. A baby who is still not kicking much by 3-4 months, or whose kicks are very weak, may have low muscle tone (hypotonia) or another neuromuscular condition. Tummy time and supervised play on their back encourage leg movement, but persistent inactivity should be discussed with your pediatrician.
Babies at this age are kicking strongly and beginning to discover their feet. They may grab their toes, push against surfaces with their feet, and kick in patterns. A baby who still shows minimal leg movement at this age needs evaluation. Your pediatrician may check muscle tone, reflexes, and hip stability, and may refer you to a pediatric neurologist or physical therapist.
By 6 months, babies use their legs extensively for rolling, beginning to push up on hands and knees, and bearing weight when held upright. If your baby is not using their legs for these activities, early intervention through physical therapy can help build strength and movement patterns. The earlier any underlying issue is identified, the more effective the intervention tends to be.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your newborn kicks their legs but less vigorously than other babies you have seen, as there is a wide range of normal activity levels.
- Your premature baby is less active with leg movements but is gradually becoming more vigorous as they grow.
- Your baby kicks more at certain times of day and is calmer at others, but does kick actively when alert and happy.
- Your baby went through a brief phase of reduced kicking during an illness but has returned to normal activity.
- Your baby rarely kicks their legs even when awake, alert, and stimulated.
- Your baby's leg movements seem weak or they do not resist when you gently hold their legs.
- Your baby kicks one leg noticeably more than the other on a consistent basis.
- Your baby has suddenly stopped moving their legs or has a dramatic decrease in leg movement, which could indicate a neurological or spinal cord issue.
- Your baby's legs feel completely limp and they show no resistance when you move their legs, combined with other concerns like feeding difficulty or weak cry.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.