How long does it take for a newborn's bowed legs to grow straight?
Mar 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, a newborn's bowed legs can straighten by the time the child is around 1 year old. In most cases, bowed legs in newborns will gradually improve as the child grows and develops. Since infants remain curled up for a prolonged period in the womb, after birth, without the presence of external pressure, their legs will gradually straighten. After 6 months, the feet and legs will progressively become straighter. By around 1 year of age, the legs will have typically straightened sufficiently for walking.
Generally, a newborn's bowed legs will straighten naturally by around 1 year of age. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Newborn bowed legs are a normal physiological phenomenon that usually improves gradually as the child grows and develops. While in the womb, babies remain in a curled position for a prolonged period. After birth, without the previous compression, their legs will slowly straighten. By six months of age, the feet and legs will progressively extend. Around 1 year old, the legs will typically be straight while walking.
However, if a child's bowed legs do not show significant improvement by age 3, or if the degree of curvature is more severe compared to peers, it may be caused by vitamin D deficiency, rickets, bone metabolic disorders, or other health issues. In such cases, further evaluation by a pediatrician or orthopedic specialist may be necessary to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
In daily life, parents should monitor their newborn's growth and development, schedule regular health checkups, ensure balanced nutrition, and avoid early weight-bearing activities to promote healthy bone development.
