My Toddler Has Knock Knees
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAOS, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about my toddler has knock knees, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Knock knees (when the knees touch but the ankles don't when standing) are completely normal in toddlers and young children, especially between ages 2-5. This is actually a natural stage of leg development that most kids go through after their baby bowlegs straighten out. In the vast majority of cases, knock knees resolve on their own by age 6-7.
Key takeaways
- Knock knees (when the knees touch but the ankles don't when standing) are completely normal in toddlers and young children, especially between ages 2-5. This is actually a natural stage of leg development that most kids go through after their baby bowlegs straighten out. In the vast majority of cases, knock knees resolve on their own by age 6-7.
- Usually normal when: Your child is between 2 and 6 years old and has knock knees that look the same on both sides.
- Call your doctor if: Your child has sudden knee pain, swelling, or can't bear weight on one or both legs.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AAOS, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia guidelines, knock knees (when the knees touch but the ankles don't when standing) are completely normal in toddlers and young children, especially between ages 2-5. This is actually a natural stage of leg development that most kids go through after their baby bowlegs straighten out. In the vast majority of cases, knock knees resolve on their own by age 6-7. At 2-3 years, this is the age when knock knees typically appear. Your toddler's legs have straightened out from the bowlegged newborn phase and may now be overcorrecting slightly. When your child stands with feet together, you might notice their knees touch but there's a gap between their ankles. This is a normal part of skeletal development and usually doesn't affect how your child walks or runs. It is generally considered normal when your child is between 2 and 6 years old and has knock knees that look the same on both sides. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has sudden knee pain, swelling, or can't bear weight on one or both legs.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
2-3 years
This is the age when knock knees typically appear. Your toddler's legs have straightened out from the bowlegged newborn phase and may now be overcorrecting slightly. When your child stands with feet together, you might notice their knees touch but there's a gap between their ankles. This is a normal part of skeletal development and usually doesn't affect how your child walks or runs.
4-5 years
Knock knees are often most pronounced at this age. It might look dramatic, but as long as your child can walk, run, and play comfortably without pain or tripping, this is still typical. The angle between the legs should start to gradually improve as your child grows. Most pediatricians will simply monitor this at annual check-ups rather than intervene.
6-7 years
By this age, most children's legs have straightened into a normal alignment. If your child still has very pronounced knock knees at age 7, especially if they're asymmetric (one side worse than the other), your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric orthopedist to make sure everything is developing properly.
8+ years
Persistent knock knees after age 8 are less common and worth evaluating. In some cases, children who are overweight or have certain growth conditions may have knock knees that don't self-correct. An orthopedist can assess whether observation, physical therapy, or rarely, bracing or surgery might be helpful.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler has knock knees and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 7 years old and still has very pronounced knock knees.
- Mention if one leg is significantly more knock-kneed than the other.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child is between 2 and 6 years old and has knock knees that look the same on both sides.
- Your child can walk, run, jump, and climb without pain, limping, or frequent falling.
- The knock knees appeared gradually as part of normal growth, not suddenly after an injury or illness.
- Your child's pediatrician has examined them and isn't concerned.
- Your child is over 7 years old and still has very pronounced knock knees.
- One leg is significantly more knock-kneed than the other.
- Your child complains of knee, hip, or ankle pain, or seems to tire easily during physical activity.
- Knock knees appeared suddenly or have gotten dramatically worse in a short period of time.
- Your child has sudden knee pain, swelling, or can't bear weight on one or both legs.
- Knock knees are accompanied by signs of illness, unusual bruising, or bone pain.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my toddler has knock knees — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your child is between 2 and 6 years old and has knock knees that look the same on both sides — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 2-3 years, 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 your child has sudden knee pain, swelling, or can't bear weight on one or both legs.
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 my toddler has knock knees normal?
When should I call the doctor about my toddler has knock knees?
When is my toddler has knock knees normal?
What causes my toddler has knock knees?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my toddler has knock knees?
Is my toddler has knock knees normal at 2-3 years?
Is my toddler has knock knees normal at 4-5 years?
Should I go to the ER for my toddler has knock knees?
Does my toddler has knock knees go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics - Common Leg and Foot Problems in Children AAP
- [2]American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Knock Knees (Genu Valgum) in Children AAOS
- [3]CHOP - Knock Knees: Diagnosis and Treatment Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Toddler Has Knock Knees.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my toddler has knock knees and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 7 years old and still has very pronounced knock knees.
- Mention if one leg is significantly more knock-kneed than the other.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child is over 7 years old and still has very pronounced knock knees.
- One leg is significantly more knock-kneed than the other.
- Your child complains of knee, hip, or ankle pain, or seems to tire easily during physical activity.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child has sudden knee pain, swelling, or can't bear weight on one or both legs.
- Knock knees are accompanied by signs of illness, unusual bruising, or bone pain.
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 my toddler has knock knees are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has sudden knee pain, swelling, or can't bear weight on one or both legs.
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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