Physical Development

My Baby's Feet Turn Inward (Metatarsus Adductus)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, OrthoInfo (AAOS), NIH guidelines

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Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus), here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Metatarsus adductus is the most common foot deformity in newborns, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies. The front half of the foot turns inward, giving it a curved or kidney-bean shape when viewed from below. It is thought to result from the position of the baby in the uterus. The good news is that 85-90% of cases resolve on their own without treatment by age 1. Flexible cases (where you can gently straighten the foot) have an excellent prognosis. Rigid cases may benefit from stretching, casting, or special shoes.

Key takeaways

  • Metatarsus adductus is the most common foot deformity in newborns, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies. The front half of the foot turns inward, giving it a curved or kidney-bean shape when viewed from below. It is thought to result from the position of the baby in the uterus. The good news is that 85-90% of cases resolve on their own without treatment by age 1. Flexible cases (where you can gently straighten the foot) have an excellent prognosis. Rigid cases may benefit from stretching, casting, or special shoes.
  • Usually normal when: Your newborn's foot curves inward but you can gently straighten it — this is the flexible type and very likely to resolve
  • Call your doctor if: Your baby's foot appears severely deformed, turned completely inward and downward — this may be clubfoot rather than metatarsus adductus and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
— Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, OrthoInfo (AAOS), NIH guidelines, metatarsus adductus is the most common foot deformity in newborns, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies. The front half of the foot turns inward, giving it a curved or kidney-bean shape when viewed from below. It is thought to result from the position of the baby in the uterus. The good news is that 85-90% of cases resolve on their own without treatment by age 1. Flexible cases (where you can gently straighten the foot) have an excellent prognosis. Rigid cases may benefit from stretching, casting, or special shoes. At 0-3 months, metatarsus adductus is often noticed at birth or during the first pediatric visits. Your doctor will assess whether the condition is flexible (the foot can be gently straightened past midline) or rigid (it cannot). Flexible metatarsus adductus almost always resolves without treatment. Your pediatrician may show you gentle stretching exercises to do during diaper changes. It is important to distinguish this from clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), which is a more complex condition affecting the entire foot and ankle. It is generally considered normal when your newborn's foot curves inward but you can gently straighten it — this is the flexible type and very likely to resolve. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby's foot appears severely deformed, turned completely inward and downward — this may be clubfoot rather than metatarsus adductus and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your newborn's foot curves inward but you can gently straighten it — this is the flexible type and very likely to resolve
Your baby's foot appears severely deformed, turned completely inward and downward — this may be clubfoot rather than metatarsus adductus and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation
Your baby's feet are becoming less curved over the first few months
Your baby shows signs of pain or distress when you touch or move their foot
One or both feet turn slightly inward but your baby is bearing weight and moving normally
Your baby's foot is rigid and cannot be gently straightened past midline

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Metatarsus adductus is often noticed at birth or during the first pediatric visits. Your doctor will assess whether the condition is flexible (the foot can be gently straightened past midline) or rigid (it cannot). Flexible metatarsus adductus almost always resolves without treatment. Your pediatrician may show you gentle stretching exercises to do during diaper changes. It is important to distinguish this from clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), which is a more complex condition affecting the entire foot and ankle.

3-6 months

If the foot is still notably curved by 3-4 months and is not showing improvement, or if it is rigid, your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric orthopedist. Treatment options for persistent cases include serial casting (similar to Ponseti casting used for clubfoot but shorter in duration) or reverse-last shoes. These interventions are very effective when started early.

6-12 months

Most flexible cases have resolved or significantly improved by this age. If treatment was started, it is usually completed by now. As your baby begins to stand and cruise, any residual intoeing often becomes less noticeable. Your orthopedist will monitor to ensure the foot is developing normally.

12 months+

By the time your child is walking, most metatarsus adductus has resolved. Persistent cases are uncommon but may benefit from continued orthotics. Untreated rigid metatarsus adductus can occasionally lead to difficulty with shoe fitting or mild gait differences, but even these typically do not cause pain or functional limitations.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby's foot is rigid and cannot be gently straightened past midline.
  • Mention if the inward curving has not improved by 3-4 months.
  • 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

Probably normal when...
  • Your newborn's foot curves inward but you can gently straighten it — this is the flexible type and very likely to resolve
  • Your baby's feet are becoming less curved over the first few months
  • One or both feet turn slightly inward but your baby is bearing weight and moving normally
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your baby's foot is rigid and cannot be gently straightened past midline
  • The inward curving has not improved by 3-4 months
  • Both feet are affected and the curving is severe
  • You notice other abnormalities with the foot or ankle beyond the inward turning of the forefoot
Act now when...
  • Your baby's foot appears severely deformed, turned completely inward and downward — this may be clubfoot rather than metatarsus adductus and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation
  • Your baby shows signs of pain or distress when you touch or move their foot

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your newborn's foot curves inward but you can gently straighten it — this is the flexible type and very likely to resolve — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 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 your baby's foot appears severely deformed, turned completely inward and downward — this may be clubfoot rather than metatarsus adductus and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation.

My Baby Has Webbed Fingers or Toes (Syndactyly)

Syndactyly (webbed or fused fingers or toes) is one of the most common congenital hand and foot differences, occurring in about 1 in 2,000-3,000 births. It can be simple (just skin connecting the digits) or complex (bones or other tissues fused). Webbed toes often require no treatment and do not affect function. Webbed fingers, particularly those involving the thumb or ring/small fingers, are typically treated with surgery to improve hand function. The timing and approach depend on which digits are affected.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

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 feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) normal?
Metatarsus adductus is the most common foot deformity in newborns, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies. The front half of the foot turns inward, giving it a curved or kidney-bean shape when viewed from below. It is thought to result from the position of the baby in the uterus. The good news is that 85-90% of cases resolve on their own without treatment by age 1. Flexible cases (where you can gently straighten the foot) have an excellent prognosis. Rigid cases may benefit from stretching, casting, or special shoes.
When should I call the doctor about feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus)?
Your baby's foot appears severely deformed, turned completely inward and downward — this may be clubfoot rather than metatarsus adductus and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation Your baby shows signs of pain or distress when you touch or move their foot
When is feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) normal?
Your newborn's foot curves inward but you can gently straighten it — this is the flexible type and very likely to resolve Your baby's feet are becoming less curved over the first few months One or both feet turn slightly inward but your baby is bearing weight and moving normally
What causes feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus)?
Metatarsus adductus is the most common foot deformity in newborns, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies. The front half of the foot turns inward, giving it a curved or kidney-bean shape when viewed from below. It is thought to result from the position of the baby in the uterus. The good news is that 85-90% of cases resolve on their own without treatment by age 1. Flexible cases (where you can gently straighten the foot) have an excellent prognosis. Rigid cases may benefit from stretching, casting, or special shoes. Common explanations include: Your newborn's foot curves inward but you can gently straighten it — this is the flexible type and very likely to resolve. Your baby's feet are becoming less curved over the first few months.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus)?
You should mention feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) at your next visit if: Your baby's foot is rigid and cannot be gently straightened past midline. The inward curving has not improved by 3-4 months. Both feet are affected and the curving is severe.
Is feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) normal at 0-3 months?
Metatarsus adductus is often noticed at birth or during the first pediatric visits. Your doctor will assess whether the condition is flexible (the foot can be gently straightened past midline) or rigid (it cannot). Flexible metatarsus adductus almost always resolves without treatment. Your pediatrician may show you gentle stretching exercises to do during diaper changes. It is important to distinguish this from clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), which is a more complex condition affecting the entire foot and ankle.
Is feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) normal at 3-6 months?
If the foot is still notably curved by 3-4 months and is not showing improvement, or if it is rigid, your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric orthopedist. Treatment options for persistent cases include serial casting (similar to Ponseti casting used for clubfoot but shorter in duration) or reverse-last shoes. These interventions are very effective when started early.
Should I go to the ER for feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus)?
Seek emergency care if your baby's foot appears severely deformed, turned completely inward and downward — this may be clubfoot rather than metatarsus adductus and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation, or if your baby shows signs of pain or distress when you touch or move their foot. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) go away on its own?
In many cases, feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) resolves on its own, especially when your newborn's foot curves inward but you can gently straighten it — this is the flexible type and very likely to resolve. By 12 months+, by the time your child is walking, most metatarsus adductus has resolved. Persistent cases are uncommon but may benefit from continued orthotics. Untreated rigid metatarsus adductus can occasionally lead to difficulty with shoe fitting or mild gait differences, but even these typically do not cause pain or functional limitations.
AAPORTHOINFO (AAOS)NIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Common Orthopedic Problems in Newborns. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Metatarsus Adductus. OrthoInfo. OrthoInfo (AAOS)
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Metatarsus Adductus. StatPearls, 2024. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby's Feet Turn Inward (Metatarsus Adductus).

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your baby's foot is rigid and cannot be gently straightened past midline.
  • Mention if the inward curving has not improved by 3-4 months.
  • 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

  • Your baby's foot is rigid and cannot be gently straightened past midline
  • The inward curving has not improved by 3-4 months
  • Both feet are affected and the curving is severe

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your baby's foot appears severely deformed, turned completely inward and downward — this may be clubfoot rather than metatarsus adductus and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation
  • Your baby shows signs of pain or distress when you touch or move their foot

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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Bottom line

Most cases of feet turn inward (metatarsus adductus) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby's foot appears severely deformed, turned completely inward and downward — this may be clubfoot rather than metatarsus adductus and needs prompt orthopedic evaluation.

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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