Growing Into Their Legs: Understanding Bow Legs and Knock Knees

Kids’ bodies go through a fascinating, sometimes awkward, progression as they grow. If you have noticed that your baby’s legs bow outward, or your preschooler’s knees knock together when they run, you are not alone. These alignment shifts are a standard part of childhood development.

Most babies are born naturally "bow-legged." Because they were tucked tightly inside the womb, their legs curve outward, meaning their knees stay apart even when their ankles are touching. As they start standing, walking, and bearing weight, their legs will gradually begin to straighten out.

But the alignment shifts do not stop there. By the time a child is around 3 or 4 years old, it is very common for them to swing in the opposite direction and develop "knock knees." This is when their knees touch, but their ankles stay apart. It might look a bit awkward when they run across the playground, but it is entirely normal.

By age 7 or 8, their legs usually settle into a straight, adult-like alignment.

When to check in with a doctor: We know it can be hard to wait out these physical changes. While time is usually the best medicine, you should reach out to your paediatric orthopaedician if:

• The bowing or knock knees are severe and seem to be getting worse instead of better over time.

• The shape is asymmetrical. If one leg is straight but the other is heavily bowed, this needs a doctor's attention.

• Your child complains of pain in their knees, hips, or legs.

• They have a noticeable limp or severe trouble running.

• Your child is unusually short for their age group, which can sometimes be linked to bone growth issues.