
Most babies are born with bowed legs due to the cramped conditions in the uterus. This is a normal part of development and usually doesn't require any treatment. As babies start walking, their legs will start to straighten out, typically between the ages of 9 and 18 months. If bow legs continue beyond the age of 2, treatment options may include splints, braces, casts, or surgery.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
When do babies' legs straighten? | When babies start walking, between the ages of 9 and 18 months. |
How do babies' legs straighten? | As babies start walking, the bones in their legs will start to slowly reform as old bone breaks down and is replaced by new bone in different places. |
Is it safe to straighten a newborn's legs? | No, the best position for a baby's legs is up and out to the sides, frog-like. Keeping the legs straight down for long periods can contribute to hip dysplasia. |
What causes bow legs in babies? | Bow legs are caused by the cramped quarters they were in while in the uterus. |
Is it normal for babies to have bow legs? | Yes, it's completely normal. |
When should parents be concerned about their baby's bow legs? | If the baby has bow legs beyond the age of 2, or if the bow seems to be getting worse, parents should consult a pediatrician. |
What You'll Learn
Bowed legs are common in newborns
This condition is rarely serious and babies usually grow out of it by the time they are 18 months old, as their legs straighten when they start walking. In some cases, bowed legs can persist beyond this age, and if they haven't straightened by the time a child is 2 years old, treatment options such as splints, casts, braces, and surgery may be considered.
The best position for a baby's legs is up and out to the sides in a "frog-like" position. This keeps the femurs in the correct position so that the hip joints develop properly. Keeping the legs straight down for long periods can contribute to hip dysplasia, so it is not recommended to straighten a baby's legs manually.
To lower the chances of bowed legs as a child gets older, it is recommended to ensure proper nutrition, particularly enough vitamin D and calcium, as deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to rickets, a potential cause of bowed legs.
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Babies' legs straighten as they start walking
It is very common for babies to be born with bowed legs. This is usually a result of the way they were positioned in the womb, with limited space to extend their legs.
As babies start to walk, the bones in their legs will start to slowly reform as old bone breaks down and is replaced by new bone in different places where it's now needed to support their weight. Usually, within six to nine months of starting to walk, a child's legs will be straighter. This typically occurs between the ages of 11 and 18 months.
In most cases, bowed legs are not serious and there are rarely any lasting side effects. However, if a child's legs haven't straightened by the time they turn 2, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider. They can do a physical exam, check for underlying conditions and determine the correct treatment.
If there is extreme bowing, a pediatrician may refer the child to a specialist to discuss bracing, casting, or surgery. However, in mild cases, it is recommended to let the legs develop naturally without any aids, as these can hinder normal development.
The best position for a baby's legs is up and out to the sides, in a "frog-like" position. This keeps the femurs in the right position so that the hip joints develop properly. Keeping the legs straight down for long periods (such as tight swaddling) can contribute to hip dysplasia.
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The best position for a baby's legs is up and out, like a frog
It's completely normal for babies to be born with bowed legs, which usually occurs due to their positioning in the cramped quarters of the uterus. As they start walking, their legs will slowly straighten out, typically between the ages of 9 and 18 months. In most cases, bowed legs are not a cause for concern and will not require any treatment.
Now, onto the best position for a baby's legs. The answer is: up and out to the sides, like a frog! This position keeps the femurs in the correct position so that the hip joints can develop properly. It's important to avoid keeping a baby's legs straight down for long periods, such as in tight swaddling or certain baby carriers, as this can contribute to hip dysplasia. The "froggy legs" position is often used for newborns, with their legs and feet enclosed within the carrier in a manner that resembles a frog. This position supports the baby's weight on their bottom rather than their feet. As babies grow and gain more stability, they can progress to the "M position", where their weight is on their bottom with their knees higher than their bottom, forming an "M" shape. This position is typically done in an ergonomic baby carrier with the baby in a legs-out position.
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Bowed legs can be caused by a lack of nutrients like vitamin D and calcium
Bowed legs in newborns are usually caused by the position they were in while in the uterus. However, in some cases, bowed legs can be caused by a lack of nutrients like vitamin D and calcium.
Rickets, a condition caused by a calcium or vitamin D deficiency, can lead to bowed legs. Rickets causes bones to become softer and weaker, which can result in bowing of the legs. This condition is rare in developed countries but is still prevalent in developing ones.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. A deficiency in vitamin D can make it difficult to maintain proper levels of these minerals in the bones. This, in turn, can lead to bowed legs.
Ensuring your child gets enough vitamin D and calcium in their diet can help prevent rickets and the associated bone problems. Sunlight exposure is an excellent source of vitamin D, but infants and young children are often advised to avoid direct sunlight or to wear sunscreen, which blocks vitamin D production. Therefore, it is important to include vitamin D-rich foods in their diet, such as fatty fish like salmon and tuna, egg yolks, and fortified foods like milk and some fruit juices.
If you are concerned about your child's vitamin D or calcium intake, consult with your healthcare provider. They can advise you on appropriate dietary changes or supplements to ensure your child gets the necessary nutrients for healthy bone development.
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Bowed legs usually straighten by the time a child is 2 years old
Bowed legs are a common condition in newborns and toddlers, and it usually isn't something to be overly concerned about. The condition is typically caused by the position of the fetus in the cramped space of the uterus, which can cause some of the fetal bones to rotate. This results in the knees curving outward, leaving a wide space between the legs.
In most cases, bowed legs will resolve on their own as the child grows and starts walking. The bones in the legs will slowly reform as old bone breaks down and is replaced by new bone in different places to support the child's weight. This process usually occurs within six to nine months of the child starting to walk, which is typically between 9 and 17 months of age. By the time a child is two years old, their legs will usually have straightened.
If bowed legs continue beyond the age of two, it may be a cause for concern and further evaluation by a healthcare provider is recommended. Treatment options may include special shoes, splints, braces, casts, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. However, in mild cases of bowing, no treatment is usually necessary, as it can hinder normal development.
It is important to note that bowed legs in infants and toddlers are rarely serious and children with this condition can still crawl, walk, and run without any difficulties. In most cases, there are no lasting side effects, and they will lead normal, active lives.
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Frequently asked questions
A newborn's legs will straighten as they begin walking, which is usually somewhere between 9 and 17 months. By the time they start walking, the bones in their legs will start to slowly reform as old bone breaks down and is replaced by new bone in different places.
No, it is not recommended to manually straighten a newborn's legs. The best position for a baby's legs is up and out to the sides, in a frog-like position. Keeping the legs straight down for long periods can contribute to hip dysplasia.
Bowed legs in newborns are usually a result of the position they were in while in the uterus. They are also caused by a lack of space in the womb, which results in the fetal bones rotating.
Bowed legs are common in infants and toddlers and the condition is rarely serious. Babies usually grow out of bowed legs by the time they turn 2. If the condition persists beyond this age, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider.