Leg and Feet Questions

• Bowed Legs: The lower legs (tibia) normally curve in because of the cross-legged posture that the baby was confined to while scrunched up in the womb. If you stand the baby up, you will also notice that the upper legs are bowed. Both of these curves are normal and will straighten out after the child has been walking for 6 to 12 months.
• Feet Turned In, Out or Up: Feet can turn any which way because of the cramped quarters inside the womb. As long as the feet are flexible and can be easily moved to a normal position, they are normal. The direction of the feet will become more normal between 6 and 12 months of age.
• "Ingrown" Toenails: Many newborns have soft nails that easily bend and curve. However, they are not truly ingrown because they don't cut into the flesh.