How to identify baby's O-shaped legs

When many babies are young, their mothers will choose to bind their legs. However, now some mothers may not be able to control the strength of the leg binding, which may cause disabilities to the baby. But if they do not bind the legs, it is particularly easy for the baby to have O-shaped legs. In fact, the baby's O-shaped legs are likely caused by calcium deficiency during the growth and development process. The baby can be supplemented with some calcium. So how to judge the baby's O-shaped legs?

How to judge whether the baby has O-shaped legs

O-shaped legs, also known as bow legs, refer to the situation where babies over 3 months old cannot bring their knees together when their ankles are together and their knees are straightened. So how do you determine whether your baby has bow legs? The self-diagnosis method for O-legs at home is as follows:

Preparation position: Place the baby in a supine or sitting position, then use both hands to gently straighten the baby's legs and bring them closer to the middle.

Normal state: The baby's ankle joints can touch each other, but the knee joints cannot touch each other, and the distance between the two legs is less than 8 cm, which is normal. Mothers don’t need to worry too much, the baby’s legs will become straight as they grow up.

Abnormal condition: Using the same method, if the distance between the baby's legs is more than 8 cm, it is likely that the baby has rickets caused by a lack of vitamin D, resulting in bow legs, or bone deformities caused by other diseases. Parents should take their baby to the hospital immediately and receive orthopedic correction treatment while treating the primary disease.

Special reminder: When parents find that their child has bow legs, they should first consult a doctor and listen to the treatment plan given by the doctor. Never use folk remedies to correct your child at home, such as leg wraps or corrective insoles, as incorrect methods may cause more serious consequences for the child.

Common causes of baby's O-shaped legs

1. Vitamin D deficiency

The most common cause of bow legs is a lack of vitamin D. A lack of vitamin D in babies can easily lead to insufficient calcification of bones, resulting in soft bones, loose muscles and joints, and the baby's legs will be deformed under the action of gravity when walking upright. It is worth noting that babies who are exclusively breastfed also need vitamin D supplementation.

2. Standing or walking too early

Standing or learning to walk too early is also a common cause of bow legs in babies. Many parents let their babies jump on adults' legs too early and "train" their children to stand and walk too early. Generally speaking, babies can only practice standing properly after 6 months, and can be trained to walk holding hands around 1 year old. Learning to stand and walk is a natural developmental process for children, and premature intervention may cause unnecessary damage.

3. Improper living habits

If the baby has improper living habits, such as liking to play on his knees or sleep on his stomach. Or they chose an inappropriate or loose-fitting diaper. Another reason is improper feeding and adding complementary foods at the wrong time, which causes the baby to not get enough nutrition, which will cause the baby to have bow legs.