Both of these conditions are fairly common in infancy, and are usually outgrown by the time the child enters school. In bowlegs, the ankles touch, but the knees are wide apart. Bowlegs appear to be the opposite of knock-knees. Knock-knees are often noted by parents when a child is standing. While standing, the knees touch, but the ankles do not.
Most children have bowlegs at birth.
It is rarely noted in infancy, unless it is severe. Once a child starts crawling or walking, the condition may become more obvious. It is always worse from 12 to 18 months of age. Most children will outgrow this condition. Knock-knees are also common and are usually outgrown as the child matures.