Palmar Reflex: How to Recognize It, Why It Matters, and What to Do Next

Primitive reflexes are predetermined movement patterns that are embedded in our DNA and originate in the brain stem. Scientists have identified 72 in total and they serve the purpose to help us move and stand upright. In a child, the palmar reflex causes an automatic flexion of the hand up to six months of age, this is why babies grasp your fingers when you touch their hands. The purpose of this reflex to be to prepare the baby's hand muscles for developing voluntary grasping in the months to co