My Baby Looks Bowlegged
The short answer
Almost all babies are born with bowlegs because of how they were curled up in the womb. This is completely normal and usually corrects itself by age 2-3 as your child grows and starts walking. True bowleggedness that needs treatment is rare and usually only a concern if it's severe, gets worse over time, or affects just one leg.
By Age
What to expect by age
All babies have bowlegs at this age - it's the natural result of being curled up in a tight space for nine months. Your baby's legs will look curved outward when you hold them upright or during diaper changes. This is expected and nothing to worry about. As your baby grows and their bones develop, the legs will gradually begin to straighten.
Bowlegs are still very common and normal at this age, even after your baby starts standing and walking. The weight-bearing that comes with walking actually helps the legs straighten over time. You might notice the bowing more once your baby is upright, but as long as both legs are equally bowed and your baby walks without pain or limping, this is typical development.
Most children's legs straighten out by age 2-3. In fact, many kids go through a phase of being slightly knock-kneed (knees touch when standing) around age 3-4 before their legs finally align normally. If your toddler's bowlegs seem severe, are getting worse instead of better, or only affect one leg, mention it to your pediatrician.
If your child is over 3 and still has pronounced bowlegs, especially if they're asymmetric (one leg more bowed than the other) or seem to be worsening, it's worth having your pediatrician evaluate them. In rare cases, persistent bowlegs can be related to conditions like rickets or Blount's disease, both of which are treatable.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 2 years old and both legs are equally bowed.
- The bowing is gradually improving as your child grows and becomes more active.
- Your child walks comfortably without limping, pain, or favoring one side.
- The bowlegs were present from birth and haven't gotten noticeably worse.
- Your child is over 2½ years old and still has very pronounced bowlegs.
- One leg is significantly more bowed than the other.
- The bowing seems to be getting worse as your child grows, rather than improving.
- Your child limps, complains of leg pain, or seems reluctant to walk or run.
- Sudden onset of bowlegs in a child who previously had straight legs - this is unusual and needs evaluation.
- Bowlegs accompanied by bone pain, inability to bear weight, or signs of illness (fever, fatigue, poor growth).
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.