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Why Do Babies Grasp Fingers?
Why Do Babies Grasp Fingers?
Sarah Jenkins••6 min read
The grasp reflex
grasp reflex
Palmar grasp reflex (sometimes simply grasp reflex) is a primitive reflex found in infants of humans and most primates. When any object is placed in an infant's palm, the fingers flex reflexively around the object.
is an involuntary movement that your baby starts making in utero and continues doing until around 6 months of age. It's a crowd-pleaser of a reflex: This is the reflex at play when your newborn wraps their adorable little fingers around one of yours.
What is the purpose of the palmar grasp reflex?
The palmar grasp reflex allows a newborn to clench an object when pressure and touch are applied to the palm; however, this is not volitional in nature. The first readily recognizable fine motor skill that is crucial to normal development is unfisting.
Why do babies have the grasp reflex?
The grasping reflex allows newborns to grab your finger and hold tight.
Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.
