Bowlegs (Child)
Bowlegs means that the legs bend outward from the knees to the ankles. It's also called genu varum. Most babies have bowlegs at birth. It almost always gets better on its own by age 2. But it may get worse for a time before then as the child starts to walk.
If it doesn’t get better by age 2, or if only one leg is bowed, contact your child’s health care provider. It may be a sign of a more serious disease such as rickets or Blount disease. Your child’s provider would need to do further tests to make this diagnosis.
Home care
Babies who drink only breast milk until age 2 are at risk for vitamin D and calcium deficiency. They should be given daily supplements of vitamin D until they're able to drink at least 32 ounces of vitamin D fortified milk or formula a day. Talk with your child’s health care provider about the advised doses.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s health care provider as advised.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child’s health care provider right away if:
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Bowlegs persist or get worse after age 2.
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Only one leg is bowed.
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The leg curvature is extreme or the child has pain.
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Your child is very short for their age.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Chelsey Schilling BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rahul Banerjee MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2025
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