What is the term used when a newborn's feet turn outward?

The term used when a newborn's feet turn outward is referred to as the valgus position. In this context, a valgus position indicates that the alignment of the extremities results in the feet being angled away from the midline of the body. This is often observed in newborns and may occur normally due to the developmental positioning they experienced in utero.

Understanding the position of a newborn’s feet is crucial in assessing their overall musculoskeletal alignment. In contrast, a varus position, often described as "bow-legged," would indicate that the knees are angled inward. The supinator position refers to the way the forearm turns to show the palm up, which is not applicable here. Plantar flexed position describes the state of the foot being pointed downward, commonly seen in the flexed state but not specifically indicating outward turning. Recognizing these specific terms helps in accurate clinical assessments and understanding of neonatal development.