Almost all babies are born with some degree of bow-leggedness because of the cramped quarters in the womb. Since there isn't enough room in there for a baby to stretch his legs out, the leg bones (which are still somewhat soft) become a little curved. As children walk and bear more weight on their legs, the bones naturally straighten, though new walkers tend to look particularly bowlegged because they bend their knees to help them balance and support their body weight. Don't stress about bowlegs unless your baby's legs are extremely or unequally curved, or the condition gets worse. --Tamekia Reece

Originally published in the July 2008 issue of Parents magazine.

Answered by Parents Team

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