The Grasp Reflex

The grasp reflex, also known as the palmar grasp reflex, is an involuntary movement seen in newborns and infants. For our early ancestors, it may have helped babies cling to their mothers for protection and transportation. While it’s not as functional in modern humans, it lays the foundation for future motor development, such as voluntary grasping and fine motor skills. Encouraging controlled hanging activities like these after the reflex disappears (around 5 months) can provide significant developmental benefits:

1. Hanging exercises can help babies and toddlers develop strength in the hands, wrists, and forearms. These movements promote strong muscles needed for tasks such as holding objects, crawling, and eventually writing.
2. Hanging not only develops grip strength but also builds upper body strength, including the shoulders, arms, and core muscles. These are essential for milestones like sitting, crawling, and standing.
3. Repeated grasping and hanging activities stimulate neural pathways associated with motor skills. These activities help the brain refine control over voluntary movements, supporting both cognitive and physical development.
4. Hanging activities stimulate the vestibular system (balance) and proprioception (awareness of body position), both of which are crucial for spatial awareness, balance, and coordination. As babies grow, offering safe and appropriate hanging opportunities (such as on our bars and rings) can further enhance their overall physical development.

Why not come and see what your little one can do here at The Little Gym Haarlem? Classes start from as young as four months old.

Book a free trial class!