Primitive Reflexes

Palmar Grasp

• When pressure applied to the palm or object put in it, baby’s hand will grasp it very strongly (without the thumb)

• 0-4 months

Palmar Mandibular

When pressure is put on baby’s palm…

• mouth opens

• eyes close

• head moves forward

0-3 mo

Moro/startle

IN SUPINE: tap abdomen, limbs extend then flex (Moro). Startle is the same, except no extension.

Moro: 0-6 mo

Startle: 7-10 mo

Searching

• Stimulation of area around mouth leads to baby turning their head towards the source

• 0-11 mo

Sucking

0-3 mo

• Stimulation of area in and around mouth will cause a rhythmic sucking motion in baby

Palmar Mental

0-2 mo

• When baby’s palm is scratched, chin goes up

Babinski

0-4 mo

• When sole of baby’s foot is stroked, toes extend

Plantar Grasp

4-12 months

• When sole of baby’s foot is stroked, toes curl

Tonic Neck

0-6 months

• IN SUPINE: when baby’s head turned one way, the limbs on the same side it’s turned to will extend, while the opposite side limbs go into flexion