The stepping reflex in babies is a crucial reflex that trains the baby’s leg muscles to prepare for crawling and walking. Generally, babies are born with several primitive reflexes, such as the stepping reflex, which help them survive after birth. Reflexes are automatic responses to a stimulus triggered by the central nervous system (CNS). The presence of primitive reflexes in babies is a vital indicator of their normal growth and development. Stepping reflex is one of the first reflexes that a child will exhibit and one of the first reflexes to fade away. Keep reading to learn more about the stepping reflex, its significance, and other primitive reflexes present in babies.
What Is Stepping Reflex?
Stepping reflex or step reflex occurs when a baby is held upright with the soles of their feet touching a flat, solid surface. The baby begins to place their feet one after the other, performing the stepping or walking action (1). Do note that the infant can neither stand nor walk. Nevertheless, they will perform the stepping action. The reflex is also known as the walking reflex or dancing reflex.
Why Do Babies Have The Stepping Reflex?
The purpose of the stepping reflex is to help the baby crawl to their mother’s breasts when placed on the mother’s abdomen (2). Therefore, the reflex once played an essential role in the initiation of breastfeeding. The reflex may also condition the baby’s leg muscles to prepare them for crawling and walking later in life. It may also help the baby’s nervous system exercise various motor neurons and neural pathways to stay prepared for crawling and walking when the time arrives.
When Does The Stepping Reflex Start And Stop?
The stepping reflex is present at birth and disappears once the baby is two months old. It is the first primitive reflex to disappear (2). The reflex re-emerges when the baby is 12 months old and ready to stand without support and walk eventually.
What If A Baby Has No Or Weak Stepping Reflex?
Consult a pediatrician in case the baby displays a weak or absent stepping reflex. A pediatrician will likely check for the reflex after the baby’s birth or during regular checkups. The absence of the stepping reflex or other primitive reflexes may indicate underlying problems with the central nervous system (CNS). The risk may be higher in the case of preterm babies. Since the reflex only triggers when specific conditions are met, it may not always trigger. You may try multiple times. Determination of underlying CNS problems requires multiple assessments and the presence of other signs. If your baby shows the healthy achievement of cognitive, physical, and social developmental milestones, the absence of stepping reflex may not be a concern. Therefore, do not panic if the baby has an absent or weak stepping reflex. Speak to your baby’s pediatrician to assess and address any concerns.
Other Types Of Newborn Reflexes
Below are the other newborn reflexes found in babies (3) (4).
