Bow/bandy legs - 14month old

[Wilkie]

My DS has got REALLY bandy legs, particularly the left one (the lower leg) from ankle to knee really bends out.

He walked at 9.5 months and was standing from 7months - could this be anything to do with it? Also, he really didn't like milk so didn't drink as much as the recommended amounts.

Should I take him to the dr or will he grow out of it?

He has no problems walking or running but looks very bandy!

I think this sounds normal - my ds is still pretty bandy legged at 18mths and he would happily live on dairy products. I would think the early walking is a good sign since legs are obviously strong and working properly! Why not mention it to gp or midwife just to put your mind at rest? Can you up the calcium intake with other dairy products?

I have started giving him weak Horlicks at bedtime made up with full fat milk in a beaker which he will happily drink. I also give him yoghurts, cheese and custard so I do give him plenty of other dairy source.

Glad you said your DS is the same.

my ds looked more bandy when he was smaller as had HUGE fat thighs and skinny little bandy shins. His shins still curve but are getting fatter so it is less noticeable....

sorry meant to say sounds like he must be getting plenty of calcium so am sure that can't be a factor.

ask your doc about it if you're worried, but my friend's wee girl was like this. really startlingly bandy legs until she took a stretch at about two and a half or so and is now a willowy elegant 8 year old with cracking pins.

Think I will ask next time we are there. We are in process of relocating so will wait until we are settled in case he is referred.

Wilkie - could you sprinkle seseame seeds into his food at all? They are really high in calcium. x

Wilkie, don't worry - I'm a paeds physio and from what you've described your DS' bandy/bow legs sound completely normal. Very common, often in early walkers - and very unlikely to be anything to do with not liking his milk. Usually by the time they are 4 or 5 they have 'straightened' up and often go the other way for a while - knock kneed - which again is usually normal. If you are worried though ask your gp to refer you to a paeds physio for a check!

Bowed legs in toddlers are so common as to be considered normal.

I wouldn't worry about it- the legs will eventually straighten out

Thanks all - particularly interested in your input Pushki, thanks for that!