Normal Bowed Legs in Newborns
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about normal bowed legs in newborns, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Bowed legs in newborns and infants are completely normal and expected. This is called physiologic bowing and results from the curled-up position your baby was in inside the womb. The legs gradually straighten on their own as your child grows and begins to walk, typically by age 2-3. No treatment is needed for normal physiologic bowing.
Key takeaways
- Bowed legs in newborns and infants are completely normal and expected. This is called physiologic bowing and results from the curled-up position your baby was in inside the womb. The legs gradually straighten on their own as your child grows and begins to walk, typically by age 2-3. No treatment is needed for normal physiologic bowing.
- Usually normal when: Both legs appear symmetrically bowed in a newborn or young infant
- Call your doctor if: Sudden new bowing of one or both legs with pain, swelling, or refusal to bear weight
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, bowed legs in newborns and infants are completely normal and expected. This is called physiologic bowing and results from the curled-up position your baby was in inside the womb. The legs gradually straighten on their own as your child grows and begins to walk, typically by age 2-3. No treatment is needed for normal physiologic bowing. At 0-1 month, it is completely normal for your newborn's legs to appear bowed or curved. After spending months curled up in the womb, the legs maintain this position after birth. You may also notice that the feet turn inward or outward, which is also related to positioning in the womb. These positional deformities gradually self-correct without any intervention. It is generally considered normal when both legs appear symmetrically bowed in a newborn or young infant. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if sudden new bowing of one or both legs with pain, swelling, or refusal to bear weight.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
It is completely normal for your newborn's legs to appear bowed or curved. After spending months curled up in the womb, the legs maintain this position after birth. You may also notice that the feet turn inward or outward, which is also related to positioning in the womb. These positional deformities gradually self-correct without any intervention.
1-3 months
The bowed appearance of the legs continues and is still perfectly normal. As your baby kicks and stretches, the legs will gradually begin to straighten. The feet may also still appear turned in or out. No braces, special shoes, or treatment is needed for physiologic bowing.
3-6 months
You may notice the legs becoming gradually straighter as your baby becomes more active and starts bearing weight during tummy time and supported standing. The bowing remains a normal finding at this age.
6-12 months
As your baby begins to pull to stand and cruise, some bowing is still normal. The legs typically straighten by age 18-24 months. If the bowing appears to be getting worse rather than better, is asymmetric (one leg more bowed than the other), or your child is limping, consult your pediatrician to rule out other conditions like Blount disease or rickets.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed normal bowed legs in newborns and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if bowing seems to be worsening after age 18 months rather than improving.
- Mention if the bowing is asymmetric (one leg more affected 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
- Both legs appear symmetrically bowed in a newborn or young infant
- The bowing gradually improves as baby grows and becomes more active
- Baby moves both legs equally and does not appear to be in pain
- No swelling, redness, or tenderness of the legs or knees
- Bowing seems to be worsening after age 18 months rather than improving
- The bowing is asymmetric (one leg more affected than the other)
- Your child has started walking but the bowing seems excessive
- Sudden new bowing of one or both legs with pain, swelling, or refusal to bear weight
- Severe bowing with a limp or difficulty walking, which could indicate Blount disease or metabolic bone disease
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice normal bowed legs in newborns — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that both legs appear symmetrically bowed in a newborn or young infant — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-1 month, 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 sudden new bowing of one or both legs with pain, swelling, or refusal to bear weight.
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.
Overlapping or Curled Toes in Newborns
Overlapping or curled toes in newborns are very common and usually harmless. They are often caused by the baby's position in the womb and typically straighten out on their own as the child grows and begins walking. The fifth (pinkie) toe overlapping the fourth toe is particularly common and rarely requires treatment.
Hip Clicks During Diaper Changes
Soft clicking sounds from your baby's hips during diaper changes or leg movements are very common and usually harmless. These clicks are typically caused by ligaments and tendons snapping over the joint and are different from a true hip "clunk," which may indicate hip instability. Your pediatrician checks the hips at every well-child visit.
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 normal bowed legs in newborns normal?
When should I call the doctor about normal bowed legs in newborns?
When is normal bowed legs in newborns normal?
What causes normal bowed legs in newborns?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about normal bowed legs in newborns?
Is normal bowed legs in newborns normal at 0-1 month?
Is normal bowed legs in newborns normal at 1-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for normal bowed legs in newborns?
Does normal bowed legs in newborns go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Normal Bowed Legs in Newborns.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed normal bowed legs in newborns and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if bowing seems to be worsening after age 18 months rather than improving.
- Mention if the bowing is asymmetric (one leg more affected 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 seems to be worsening after age 18 months rather than improving
- The bowing is asymmetric (one leg more affected than the other)
- Your child has started walking but the bowing seems excessive
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Sudden new bowing of one or both legs with pain, swelling, or refusal to bear weight
- Severe bowing with a limp or difficulty walking, which could indicate Blount disease or metabolic bone disease
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of normal bowed legs in newborns are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if sudden new bowing of one or both legs with pain, swelling, or refusal to bear weight.
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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Related Physical Concerns
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.
Overlapping or Curled Toes in Newborns
Overlapping or curled toes in newborns are very common and usually harmless. They are often caused by the baby's position in the womb and typically straighten out on their own as the child grows and begins walking. The fifth (pinkie) toe overlapping the fourth toe is particularly common and rarely requires treatment.
Hip Clicks During Diaper Changes
Soft clicking sounds from your baby's hips during diaper changes or leg movements are very common and usually harmless. These clicks are typically caused by ligaments and tendons snapping over the joint and are different from a true hip "clunk," which may indicate hip instability. Your pediatrician checks the hips at every well-child visit.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
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.