My Baby's Bowed Legs Are Not Straightening
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about bowed legs are not straightening, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Physiological bowing (normal bowed legs) should begin straightening after age 18-24 months. If bowing persists beyond age 2, worsens, or is asymmetric (more on one side), it may indicate Blount disease, rickets, or other conditions that benefit from treatment. Most persistent bowing is treatable when caught early.
Key takeaways
- Physiological bowing (normal bowed legs) should begin straightening after age 18-24 months. If bowing persists beyond age 2, worsens, or is asymmetric (more on one side), it may indicate Blount disease, rickets, or other conditions that benefit from treatment. Most persistent bowing is treatable when caught early.
- Usually normal when: Bowing is symmetric and improving over time.
- Call your doctor if: Progressive worsening of bowing.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, physiological bowing (normal bowed legs) should begin straightening after age 18-24 months. If bowing persists beyond age 2, worsens, or is asymmetric (more on one side), it may indicate Blount disease, rickets, or other conditions that benefit from treatment. Most persistent bowing is treatable when caught early. At 0-12 months, all babies have some bowing of the legs from their curled position in the womb. This is completely normal and not a concern. The bowing will naturally begin to straighten as your baby grows. It is generally considered normal when bowing is symmetric and improving over time. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if progressive worsening of bowing.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-12 months
All babies have some bowing of the legs from their curled position in the womb. This is completely normal and not a concern. The bowing will naturally begin to straighten as your baby grows.
12-18 months
Bowed legs are still common and expected in new walkers. The wide-based gait of new walkers can make bowing look more pronounced. Normal bowing should be symmetric (equal on both sides).
18-24 months
Bowing should start to improve. If legs are straightening, normal physiological bowing is resolving as expected. If bowing is worsening, especially on one side, evaluation is recommended.
2-3 years
By age 2, legs should be significantly straighter. If bowing persists beyond age 2 or is worsening, X-rays may be needed to evaluate for Blount disease or rickets. Both conditions are treatable, especially when caught early.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed bowed legs are not straightening and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if bowing is not improving after age 18 months.
- Mention if bowing is worse on one side than the other.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Bowing is symmetric and improving over time.
- Your child is under 2 years.
- Your child walks normally without pain.
- Bowing is mild and expected for age.
- Bowing is not improving after age 18 months.
- Bowing is worse on one side than the other.
- Bowing seems to be getting worse.
- Progressive worsening of bowing.
- Pain or difficulty walking due to bowed legs.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice bowed legs are not straightening — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that bowing is symmetric and improving over time — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if progressive worsening of bowing.
Related Conditions
My Baby Looks Bowlegged
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.
My Toddler Has Severe Knock Knees
Mild knock knees are a normal developmental phase that peaks around age 3-4 and typically resolves by age 7-8. However, severe knock knees (where the distance between ankles is greater than 8-10cm when knees touch), asymmetric knock knees, or knock knees that worsen after age 4 should be evaluated by a pediatric orthopedist.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is bowed legs are not straightening normal?
When should I call the doctor about bowed legs are not straightening?
When is bowed legs are not straightening normal?
What causes bowed legs are not straightening?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about bowed legs are not straightening?
Is bowed legs are not straightening normal at 0-12 months?
Is bowed legs are not straightening normal at 12-18 months?
Should I go to the ER for bowed legs are not straightening?
Does bowed legs are not straightening go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby's Bowed Legs Are Not Straightening.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed bowed legs are not straightening and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if bowing is not improving after age 18 months.
- Mention if bowing is worse on one side than the other.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Bowing is not improving after age 18 months.
- Bowing is worse on one side than the other.
- Bowing seems to be getting worse.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Progressive worsening of bowing.
- Pain or difficulty walking due to bowed legs.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of bowed legs are not straightening are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if progressive worsening of bowing.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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My Baby Looks Bowlegged
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.
My Toddler Has Severe Knock Knees
Mild knock knees are a normal developmental phase that peaks around age 3-4 and typically resolves by age 7-8. However, severe knock knees (where the distance between ankles is greater than 8-10cm when knees touch), asymmetric knock knees, or knock knees that worsen after age 4 should be evaluated by a pediatric orthopedist.
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