Baby Physical Development: The Grasping Reflex

Newborns are born with lots of reflexes—involuntary movements that come and go during their first few months of life. One of them is the grasp reflex, or Palmer grasp. It's that adorable (or not so adorable if it's your hair he's grabbing!) reflex that causes a newborn to wrap his tiny fist around something.

To get your baby to use his grasp reflex, stroke the palm of your baby's hand. He will close his hand around your finger and hang on. His grasp will be so strong that you may be able to partially lift him up—but only try it on a soft surface, because you never know when baby will let go! This reflex is strong for the first 2 months, but it fades over time and is gone by the time your baby is 6 months old. Awwww ... they grow so quickly!

For more, more, more information about your baby, check out this page full of information on newborns!