Physical Development

Overlapping or Curled Toes in Newborns

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

Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about overlapping or curled toes in newborns, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

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.

Key takeaways

  • 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.
  • Usually normal when: Toes that curl or overlap but can be gently straightened (flexible)
  • Call your doctor if: Sudden swelling, redness, or pain in any toe that could indicate injury or infection
  • 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)

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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, 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. At 0-1 month, overlapping, curled, or crooked toes are very common in newborns and are usually related to how the baby was positioned in the womb. The most common presentation is the fifth toe curling under or overlapping the fourth toe. These toe positions are flexible and can be gently straightened, which confirms they are positional rather than structural. No taping, splinting, or treatment is needed at this age. It is generally considered normal when toes that curl or overlap but can be gently straightened (flexible). However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if sudden swelling, redness, or pain in any toe that could indicate injury or infection.

Sources: [1], [2]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Toes that curl or overlap but can be gently straightened (flexible)
Sudden swelling, redness, or pain in any toe that could indicate injury or infection
Both feet are affected similarly
A toe appears discolored or has compromised blood flow
Baby does not appear to be in pain or bothered by the toe position
A toe is rigid and cannot be gently straightened
Gradual improvement as baby grows and becomes more active
The overlapping or curling seems to be getting worse rather than better

By Age

What to expect by age

0-1 month

Overlapping, curled, or crooked toes are very common in newborns and are usually related to how the baby was positioned in the womb. The most common presentation is the fifth toe curling under or overlapping the fourth toe. These toe positions are flexible and can be gently straightened, which confirms they are positional rather than structural. No taping, splinting, or treatment is needed at this age.

1-3 months

The toes may still appear curled or overlapping, which continues to be normal. As your baby kicks and moves their feet more, the toes gradually begin to straighten. You do not need to do anything special to correct the position. Avoid tight-fitting socks or shoes that could restrict natural movement.

3-6 months

Toes typically continue to straighten as your baby grows. You may still notice some curling, especially when your baby flexes their feet. This remains a normal variation. If any toe appears rigid, fixed, or cannot be gently straightened, mention it to your pediatrician.

6-12 months

As your baby begins to stand and bear weight, the toes usually straighten further. Most overlapping and curled toes resolve by the time your child is walking regularly. If toes remain significantly overlapping and are causing problems with shoe fit or walking, your pediatrician may refer to a pediatric orthopedist, though this is uncommon.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed overlapping or curled toes 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 a toe is rigid and cannot be gently straightened.
  • Mention if the overlapping or curling seems to be getting worse rather than better.
  • 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...
  • Toes that curl or overlap but can be gently straightened (flexible)
  • Both feet are affected similarly
  • Baby does not appear to be in pain or bothered by the toe position
  • Gradual improvement as baby grows and becomes more active
Mention at your next visit when...
  • A toe is rigid and cannot be gently straightened
  • The overlapping or curling seems to be getting worse rather than better
  • You notice swelling, redness, or skin irritation between overlapping toes
Act now when...
  • Sudden swelling, redness, or pain in any toe that could indicate injury or infection
  • A toe appears discolored or has compromised blood flow

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice overlapping or curled toes in newborns — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that toes that curl or overlap but can be gently straightened (flexible) — 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 swelling, redness, or pain in any toe that could indicate injury or infection.

My Baby Curls Their Toes

Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.

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.

My Baby Was Born with Clubfoot

Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) is a condition where one or both feet are turned inward and downward at birth. It affects about 1 in 1,000 babies and is very treatable. The Ponseti method, which uses gentle casting and bracing, corrects clubfoot in over 95% of cases without major surgery. Treatment typically starts within the first few weeks of life for best results.

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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 overlapping or curled toes in newborns normal?
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.
When should I call the doctor about overlapping or curled toes in newborns?
Sudden swelling, redness, or pain in any toe that could indicate injury or infection A toe appears discolored or has compromised blood flow
When is overlapping or curled toes in newborns normal?
Toes that curl or overlap but can be gently straightened (flexible) Both feet are affected similarly Baby does not appear to be in pain or bothered by the toe position
What causes 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. Common explanations include: Toes that curl or overlap but can be gently straightened (flexible). Both feet are affected similarly.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about overlapping or curled toes in newborns?
You should mention overlapping or curled toes in newborns at your next visit if: A toe is rigid and cannot be gently straightened. The overlapping or curling seems to be getting worse rather than better. You notice swelling, redness, or skin irritation between overlapping toes.
Is overlapping or curled toes in newborns normal at 0-1 month?
Overlapping, curled, or crooked toes are very common in newborns and are usually related to how the baby was positioned in the womb. The most common presentation is the fifth toe curling under or overlapping the fourth toe. These toe positions are flexible and can be gently straightened, which confirms they are positional rather than structural. No taping, splinting, or treatment is needed at this age.
Is overlapping or curled toes in newborns normal at 1-3 months?
The toes may still appear curled or overlapping, which continues to be normal. As your baby kicks and moves their feet more, the toes gradually begin to straighten. You do not need to do anything special to correct the position. Avoid tight-fitting socks or shoes that could restrict natural movement.
Should I go to the ER for overlapping or curled toes in newborns?
Seek emergency care if sudden swelling, redness, or pain in any toe that could indicate injury or infection, or if a toe appears discolored or has compromised blood flow. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does overlapping or curled toes in newborns go away on its own?
In many cases, overlapping or curled toes in newborns resolves on its own, especially when toes that curl or overlap but can be gently straightened (flexible). By 6-12 months, as your baby begins to stand and bear weight, the toes usually straighten further. Most overlapping and curled toes resolve by the time your child is walking regularly. If toes remain significantly overlapping and are causing problems with shoe fit or walking, your pediatrician may refer to a pediatric orthopedist, though this is uncommon.
AAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Common Foot Problems in Children. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]National Library of Medicine. Congenital Curly Toes. Pediatric Orthopedics. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Overlapping or Curled Toes in Newborns.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed overlapping or curled toes 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 a toe is rigid and cannot be gently straightened.
  • Mention if the overlapping or curling seems to be getting worse rather than better.
  • 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

  • A toe is rigid and cannot be gently straightened
  • The overlapping or curling seems to be getting worse rather than better
  • You notice swelling, redness, or skin irritation between overlapping toes

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Sudden swelling, redness, or pain in any toe that could indicate injury or infection
  • A toe appears discolored or has compromised blood flow

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

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Bottom line

Most cases of overlapping or curled toes in newborns are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if sudden swelling, redness, or pain in any toe that could indicate injury or infection.

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 Curls Their Toes

Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.

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.

My Baby Was Born with Clubfoot

Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) is a condition where one or both feet are turned inward and downward at birth. It affects about 1 in 1,000 babies and is very treatable. The Ponseti method, which uses gentle casting and bracing, corrects clubfoot in over 95% of cases without major surgery. Treatment typically starts within the first few weeks of life for best results.

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