Babies with ‘Clicky’ Joints: When to Worry and When It’s Normal
Frequent clicking or popping of your baby’s joints is a really common concern from parents. The hips are the most common area, but clicks can also be heard in the shoulders, knees and ankles. This can cause concern about hip dysplasia, long term joint health or whether the child will be hypermobile later in life. It can be reassuring to know that most of the time clicks are part of normal development. Here’s why:
When clicks are normal
Babies are born with joints that are more flexible than adults. This allows tissues and ligaments to move more easily over the bones. As a result, it is common to hear clicks in the hips, knees or ankles during normal handling. If your baby is moving well, appears comfortable and uses both sides of the body equally, the noises are usually not a cause for concern.
When to seek help
Occasionally clicks can be linked to conditions such as developmental dysplasia of the hip. Signs that need review include:
Hips that do not open easily
One leg appearing shorter than the other
Uneven skin folds on the thighs or buttocks
Ongoing shoulder weakness after a difficult birth
Knees or ankles that seem unstable or cause distress when moved
If you notice any of these, it is best to speak with your health professional.
Shoulders, knees and ankles
Shoulders: A difficult or assisted birth can sometimes leave the shoulder more prone to clicking. This usually settles, but persistent weakness should be checked.
Knees: Clicking at the knees is very common and usually related to ligaments moving over bone. This is not normally a sign of damage.
Ankles: Ligament laxity in the ankles can create clicking sounds. These often improve as the baby grows stronger with crawling and walking.
Common parent concerns
My baby had a hip ultrasound and it was normal. Do they need another scan or an x-ray?
A normal ultrasound is highly reassuring. Unless new concerns develop, such as restricted hip movement or changes in leg length, further scans are not usually needed. If you remain worried, check back with your GP or paediatrician.
Hypermobility runs in my family. Does this mean my baby will also be hypermobile?
Family history can contribute to flexibility, but clicks in infancy do not predict whether a child will be hypermobile in the future. Hypermobility is assessed later in childhood when joint stability can be tested more clearly. Many babies with clicky joints grow into typical movement patterns.
What parents can do and how osteopathy may help
Encourage free movement with tummy time and floor play
Use hip healthy carriers that allow the legs to rest in a natural M position
Avoid wrapping or swaddling that restricts hip movement
Seek advice if clicks are associated with pain, stiffness or asymmetry
Osteopathic care supports healthy growth and development by addressing underlying strains, restriction or tension related to the birth process.
Most clicks in babies are part of normal growth and development. A normal hip ultrasound is usually all the reassurance you need, and a family history of hypermobility does not mean your baby will automatically follow the same path. If you notice any concerning changes, speak with your health professional.
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Hi I’m Michelle, I teach parents how to calm their unsettled newborn with simple exercises and strategies. I can help you support your baby through issues such as colic, infant reflux, oral restrictions and birth strain. I’m an osteopath with over 20 years experience and a mum of 2 boys.