The plantar grasp reflex is considered normal to be present up to which age in infants?

The plantar grasp reflex is considered normal to be present up to which age in infants?

• A. 6 months
• B. 9 months
• C. 12 months
• D. 18 months

Answer: (B)

Primitive reflexes reflect early CNS development and are expected to fade as the brain matures, allowing more voluntary movement. The plantar grasp reflex is one of these early responses: when the sole is touched, the toes curl downward in response. This helps with initial interaction with the world, but it should not persist as the child grows. Typically, this reflex should be integrated by about nine months of age. In other words, it is considered normal for the plantar grasp to be present up to around nine months, after which it should no longer be elicitable. If it remains beyond that window, it can indicate delayed neural maturation or other motor concerns that warrant observation or further assessment.

Primitive reflexes reflect early CNS development and are expected to fade as the brain matures, allowing more voluntary movement. The plantar grasp reflex is one of these early responses: when the sole is touched, the toes curl downward in response. This helps with initial interaction with the world, but it should not persist as the child grows.

Typically, this reflex should be integrated by about nine months of age. In other words, it is considered normal for the plantar grasp to be present up to around nine months, after which it should no longer be elicitable. If it remains beyond that window, it can indicate delayed neural maturation or other motor concerns that warrant observation or further assessment.