My Baby Still Has a Persistent Foot Grasp Reflex
The short answer
The plantar grasp reflex (toes curling when the sole is touched) normally integrates between 9-12 months, around the time a baby begins standing. If this reflex persists, it may affect weight bearing and walking development because the toes curl under instead of spreading flat on the floor. Evaluation is recommended if the reflex persists past 12 months.
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By Age
What to expect by age
The plantar grasp reflex is normal at this age. When you stroke the sole of your baby's foot, their toes should curl. This does not affect development at this stage.
The reflex should begin to weaken as your baby starts weight bearing. If the reflex remains very strong, your baby may have difficulty placing their feet flat when standing. This is worth monitoring.
The plantar grasp should be integrating or integrated. If your baby's toes still curl strongly when feet touch the floor, it may affect standing and walking development. Mention this to your pediatrician.
Persistence of the plantar grasp reflex can interfere with walking by preventing flat foot contact. Physical therapy can help integrate this reflex and improve foot placement for walking.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 9 months with normal plantar grasp.
- The reflex is weakening as standing develops.
- Your baby can bear weight with feet mostly flat despite some toe curling.
- Plantar grasp persists strongly beyond 12 months.
- Your baby's toes curl under when they try to stand.
- The reflex seems to interfere with weight bearing or walking.
- Foot reflexes are getting stronger.
- Your baby has other persistent reflexes alongside the plantar grasp.
Sources
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Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Physical Concerns
My Baby's Primitive Reflexes Are Not Integrating
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements present at birth that should gradually integrate (disappear) during the first year as your baby develops voluntary movement control. If reflexes persist beyond their expected timeframe, it may indicate neurological immaturity or developmental concerns. Your pediatrician checks reflexes at well visits.
My Baby Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Is Walking on Their Toes
Toe walking is extremely common when babies are first learning to walk and is usually nothing to worry about. Up to 5% of children toe walk at some point, and most outgrow it by age 2-3. It only becomes a concern if it persists past age 2 or if your child seems unable (rather than unwilling) to put their feet flat.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Only Army Crawls
Army crawling (also called commando crawling) is a completely valid and normal way for babies to move. Many babies army crawl for weeks or even months before transitioning to hands-and-knees crawling, and some skip hands-and-knees crawling entirely. What matters is that your baby is independently mobile and exploring their environment.
One Side of My Baby's Body Moves Differently
Babies should generally use both sides of their body equally. If one side consistently moves differently, is weaker, stiffer, or less coordinated, this warrants evaluation. Asymmetric movement can indicate hemiplegia (cerebral palsy affecting one side), brachial plexus injury, or other neurological conditions that benefit from early therapy.