If you’ve ever wondered whether your baby has kneecaps, you’re one of many curious parents asking the very same question. And it makes sense. A baby’s knees are much softer, more flexible, and far from the firmness of an adult’s knee.

So, what is the answer? Do babies have kneecaps? Given that they’re so much softer, are their knees more susceptible to injury? And when will their knees become firm like an adult’s?

Let’s find out!

Are babies born with kneecaps?

Babies are in fact born with kneecaps. However, the kneecaps are made entirely of cartilage (firm, flexible connective tissue). For this reason, medical professionals refer to infant kneecaps as cartilage patellae – patella meaning kneecap.

Now, if you think about it, this makes perfect sense. Not only will softer bones make the birth process a little easier for both mother and baby, but flexible knees will also make crawling much more comfortable.

So, when will their knees become firmer and closer to the kneecaps of an adult?

When will my baby’s kneecaps become firmer?

The transition from cartilage to bone, known as ossification, happens between the ages of 2 and 6. It is a slow process that begins in the middle of the kneecap and gradually spreads outwards. However, we still retain some cartilage between the leg and knee bone, helping to protect us from injury and allowing for smoother movement.

But since they’re a whole lot softer than our kneecaps, are babies' knees prone to injury?

Do I need to be especially careful about my baby’s knees?

Even though a baby’s knees are much softer than those of an older child or an adult, they’re no more susceptible to injury or health problems. That said, watch out for any swelling on and around your child's knee area, as this could indicate an injury to the ligaments or tendons or could be a sign of arthritis.

Do babies have kneecaps when they're born?

Unii looks at a lesser considered area of baby development: knees.