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Patient Questions  /  Bow legs in toddlers

Kids & Babies

Are Bow Legs Normal in Toddlers?

Yes. Most babies and young toddlers have bow legs, and the legs usually straighten on their own over the first few years. Many kids then go through a knock-kneed stage before their legs settle. Bowing that gets worse after about age 2, affects one leg more than the other, or comes with pain or a limp should be checked.

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How legs change as kids grow

Babies are curled up in the womb, so they are born with legs that bow outward. When toddlers start walking, their legs often still look bowed, and they may walk with their feet wide apart.

Over the next couple of years, the legs usually straighten. Many children then swing the other way and look knock-kneed in the preschool years. By the early school years, most kids' legs look like an adult's. This all happens naturally and doesn't need treatment.

When bowing may be something else

Less often, bow legs come from a problem with how the bones are growing, such as a growth plate problem near the knee or a vitamin D or mineral problem that softens the bones. Your pediatrician watches for these. Things that raise concern include:

  • Bowing that is severe, or getting worse after about age 2.
  • One leg bowed much more than the other.
  • Your child is much shorter than other kids their age.

What you can do

For normal bowing, let your child walk, run and play as usual. Taking a photo of your child standing every few months can help you and your pediatrician see whether the legs are straightening.

When to see a doctor

See your child's pediatrician promptly if:

  • Bowing that is getting worse, especially after about age 2
  • One leg is much more bowed than the other
  • Knee or leg pain, or a limp
  • Your child is much shorter than others their age, or has other growth concerns

How physical therapy at ARI can help

Normal bowing doesn't need therapy. If your toddler is also unsteady, falls a lot or seems behind in walking, a physical therapist can check strength and balance and build a play-based plan. Parents are involved in visits and get a home program, and we coordinate with your child's pediatrician and any specialist they see.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Pediatric physical therapy →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026