Hip Clicks During Diaper Changes
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 hip clicks during diaper changes, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Soft, painless clicking sounds during diaper changes or leg movements
- Call your doctor if: Your baby suddenly stops moving one leg, seems to be in pain with hip movement, or one leg appears significantly shorter than the other
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, 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. At 0-1 month, soft clicking or popping sounds from the hips are very common in newborns as their joints are still loose and flexible. These benign clicks are caused by ligaments and tendons moving over the joint and are not the same as the "clunk" that pediatricians look for during hip exams (Ortolani and Barlow tests). A clunk feels like a joint moving in or out of position and is a sign of hip instability that needs further evaluation. If your pediatrician finds the hips to be stable on examination, clicking sounds alone are not concerning. It is generally considered normal when soft, painless clicking sounds during diaper changes or leg movements. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby suddenly stops moving one leg, seems to be in pain with hip movement, or one leg appears significantly shorter than the other.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Soft clicking or popping sounds from the hips are very common in newborns as their joints are still loose and flexible. These benign clicks are caused by ligaments and tendons moving over the joint and are not the same as the "clunk" that pediatricians look for during hip exams (Ortolani and Barlow tests). A clunk feels like a joint moving in or out of position and is a sign of hip instability that needs further evaluation. If your pediatrician finds the hips to be stable on examination, clicking sounds alone are not concerning.
1-3 months
Clicking may continue and remains common. Your pediatrician will continue to check the hips at routine visits. If there are risk factors for hip dysplasia (breech presentation, family history, firstborn girl), a hip ultrasound may be ordered around 6 weeks of age regardless of examination findings. Simple clicking without instability does not typically require imaging.
3-6 months
Hip clicking from ligaments usually decreases as your baby's joints stabilize. If clicking persists or you notice asymmetric leg folds, limited hip movement, or one leg appearing shorter, mention these to your pediatrician.
6-12 months
Joint clicking may occur occasionally from normal joint movement and remains common in active babies. If there are concerns about hip development, X-rays replace ultrasound as the preferred imaging after about 4-6 months of age.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed hip clicks during diaper changes and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you notice a louder, deeper "clunk" rather than a soft click.
- Mention if one leg seems less flexible or cannot be spread as wide as the other during diaper changes.
- 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
- Soft, painless clicking sounds during diaper changes or leg movements
- The clicks are not associated with any visible movement of the hip joint in or out of position
- Your pediatrician has examined the hips and found them stable
- Baby moves both legs freely and equally
- You notice a louder, deeper "clunk" rather than a soft click
- One leg seems less flexible or cannot be spread as wide as the other during diaper changes
- The thigh skin folds appear markedly uneven
- Your baby suddenly stops moving one leg, seems to be in pain with hip movement, or one leg appears significantly shorter than the other
- Your pediatrician detects a hip clunk on examination and recommends urgent imaging or referral
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice hip clicks during diaper changes — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that soft, painless clicking sounds during diaper changes or leg movements — 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 your baby suddenly stops moving one leg, seems to be in pain with hip movement, or one leg appears significantly shorter than the other.
Related Conditions
Baby Hip Dysplasia (Hip Click)
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the hip joint does not form properly, ranging from mild looseness to complete dislocation. It occurs in about 1 in 1,000 births and is more common in firstborns, girls, breech babies, and those with a family history. When caught early, treatment with a soft brace (Pavlik harness) is highly effective.
Hip Screening Ultrasound Follow-Up
A hip ultrasound may be recommended for your baby based on risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), including breech presentation, family history of DDH, or findings on physical exam. The ultrasound is painless and helps ensure the hips are developing normally. Early detection and treatment of DDH leads to excellent outcomes.
Normal Bowed Legs in Newborns
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.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is hip clicks during diaper changes normal?
When should I call the doctor about hip clicks during diaper changes?
When is hip clicks during diaper changes normal?
What causes hip clicks during diaper changes?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about hip clicks during diaper changes?
Is hip clicks during diaper changes normal at 0-1 month?
Is hip clicks during diaper changes normal at 1-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for hip clicks during diaper changes?
Does hip clicks during diaper changes go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Hip Clicks During Diaper Changes.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed hip clicks during diaper changes and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you notice a louder, deeper "clunk" rather than a soft click.
- Mention if one leg seems less flexible or cannot be spread as wide as the other during diaper changes.
- 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
- You notice a louder, deeper "clunk" rather than a soft click
- One leg seems less flexible or cannot be spread as wide as the other during diaper changes
- The thigh skin folds appear markedly uneven
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby suddenly stops moving one leg, seems to be in pain with hip movement, or one leg appears significantly shorter than the other
- Your pediatrician detects a hip clunk on examination and recommends urgent imaging or referral
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 hip clicks during diaper changes are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby suddenly stops moving one leg, seems to be in pain with hip movement, or one leg appears significantly shorter than the other.
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
Baby Hip Dysplasia (Hip Click)
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the hip joint does not form properly, ranging from mild looseness to complete dislocation. It occurs in about 1 in 1,000 births and is more common in firstborns, girls, breech babies, and those with a family history. When caught early, treatment with a soft brace (Pavlik harness) is highly effective.
Hip Screening Ultrasound Follow-Up
A hip ultrasound may be recommended for your baby based on risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), including breech presentation, family history of DDH, or findings on physical exam. The ultrasound is painless and helps ensure the hips are developing normally. Early detection and treatment of DDH leads to excellent outcomes.
Normal Bowed Legs in Newborns
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.
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.