Notice your little one's charming cowboy walk?

Bowlegs, or genu varum, is a common condition in newborns where the legs curve outward from the knees while the ankles are close together, resembling an archer’s bow when viewed from the front. This condition is typically a normal part of infant development. During fetal development, babies are often positioned with their legs folded tightly against their bodies, leading to the natural bowing of the legs. After birth, as infants begin to walk and bear weight on their legs, usually around the age of 12 to 18 months, this bowing gradually corrects itself. The condition is more noticeable if the child starts to stand or walk early.

In most cases, bowlegs do not require any treatment as the legs usually straighten out naturally by the age of 2 to 3 years. However, parents and caregivers should monitor the child’s progress to ensure that the condition is improving with growth. Regular pediatric check-ups are essential to track the development of the child’s leg alignment. If the bowlegs persist beyond the age of 3 or if the condition worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as discomfort or difficulty walking, it may be necessary to consult a pediatric orthopedist. In rare cases where bowlegs are caused by underlying conditions such as rickets or Blount’s disease, specific treatments such as vitamin supplementation or orthotic interventions may be required.