A baby’s bones and muscles are rapidly developing in the first 3-5 years of life. This explains the reason why your baby’s legs may be bow-shaped. Your baby may also have flat feet. This is completely normal, and also commonly found in adults too! Firstly, let’s talk about why your baby has flat feet.
Why does my child have flat feet?
The bones and muscles that form the arches in your child’s feet are still developing. The more your child walks, the more ‘stress’ is put on the bones and muscles in their feet. Think of ‘stress’ as a good thing, in the same way exercise puts ‘stress’ on your body that is good for it. In most children, arches in their feet start to develop between ages 3-6. Now that we’ve discussed the feet, let’s work our way up your baby’s legs and discuss why they might be bow-shaped!
Why is my baby bow legged?
Again, your baby’s bones are developing. The bones that run from your baby’s feet to their knees carry most of your baby’s weight. And because these bones are soft and developing, the ‘stress’ caused by standing, walking, running and jumping causes these soft bones to curve. As your child gets older and physically develops, the shin bones become harder and begin to straighten, causing the bow
shape to eventually disappear. In fact, your child’s legs may go from bow-shaped to ‘knock-knee’ until they finally take shape that will carry them into their teenage years and adulthood.
As your child gets older and physically develops, the shin bones become harder and begin to straighten, causing the bow shape to eventually disappear.
This page is dedicated to providing the latest evidence and research dedicated to help you promote your child’s development. And, best of all, the info is provided by a qualified physiotherapist with years of experience working with babies and children!
**This is not medical advice. If you’re concerned about your child’s health and/or development, please see a healthcare professional.
References:
- Jacobs, B. (2010). Toe walking, flat feet and bow legs, in-toeing and out-toeing. Paediatrics and Child Health, 20(5), 221-224.
- Images: sourced from canva.com
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