Infant - One Leg Fatter than the Other

Updated on July 03, 2013
D.J. asks from Clearfield, PA
6 answers

This may seem silly... but my husband noticed this AM that our 6 month old has 2 fat rolls on her right leg and 1 fat roll on her left. Has anyone else had this in their kid(s)? Of course, my husband googled it and found information about Hip Dysplasia... but I think he's just paranoid! She kicks both legs and can hold her weight on both legs just fine. It's just that one leg looks smaller because it doesn't have that extra blob of fat. Any thoughts? (I realize babies have fat rolls... it just seems odd that she has more on one leg than the other... you'd think her weight would distribute pretty evenly to both legs)

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M.B.

answers from Austin on

As far as hip dysplasia, I'm sure your pediatrician has been checking for that all along.... you've probably seen how they flex their legs and hips at the well-baby check? That is one thing they are looking for......

I would just ask at her next visit if what you've noticed is something to be concerned about.

2 moms found this helpful
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C.J.

answers from Dallas on

It could be that she favors one leg more than the other and as her dominant leg it is used more and has one less "blob" (I thought that was a cute way to describe it).
If all else is normal in her motor development, I wouldn't worry about it, but you can always ask your pedi at next check up.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I believe I had this as a baby and I am fine. When my mom pointed it out to the pediatrician he immediately sent me to a specialists to check my hips. Turns out my right leg kicked harder and I developed more muscle in my right leg. This was never a problem. I do however notice the difference in my legs when I am swimming the breast stroke.
Ask your doc but one thing they did was check to see if one leg was longer than my other. Lay her on her belly and hold her body straight. Look to see if her heals line up.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.P.

answers from Cleveland on

My daughter had little fat rolls on her legs n arms. Most babies do until they start getting taller and crawling/ walking you'll be surprised at how much she slims down once she becomes mobile

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

It could be that the baby fat just dimples a little differently on each leg making one appear to have one more roll than the other.
Once she's toddling, she won't have those cute little chubby legs anymore - they slim down pretty quickly.

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K.L.

answers from Savannah on

Both of my children are like this! My son is outgrowing his baby fat at 2 1/2 but my 5 month old is getting chubbier by the day! I have never had a doctor concerned over this and I have never felt the need worry about them. I just associated it with baby fat. Unless the doctor mentions it, I would not worry.

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