My Baby Still Has a Persistent Foot Grasp Reflex
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about still has a persistent foot grasp reflex, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is under 9 months with normal plantar grasp.
- Call your doctor if: Foot reflexes are getting stronger.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, 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. At 0-6 months, 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. It is generally considered normal when your baby is under 9 months with normal plantar grasp. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if foot reflexes are getting stronger.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
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.
6-9 months
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.
9-12 months
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.
12-18 months
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed still has a persistent foot grasp reflex and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if plantar grasp persists strongly beyond 12 months.
- Mention if your baby's toes curl under when they try to stand.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice still has a persistent foot grasp reflex — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is under 9 months with normal plantar grasp — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if foot reflexes are getting stronger.
Related Conditions
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.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is still has a persistent foot grasp reflex normal?
When should I call the doctor about still has a persistent foot grasp reflex?
When is still has a persistent foot grasp reflex normal?
What causes still has a persistent foot grasp reflex?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about still has a persistent foot grasp reflex?
Is still has a persistent foot grasp reflex normal at 0-6 months?
Is still has a persistent foot grasp reflex normal at 6-9 months?
Should I go to the ER for still has a persistent foot grasp reflex?
Does still has a persistent foot grasp reflex go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Still Has a Persistent Foot Grasp Reflex.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed still has a persistent foot grasp reflex and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if plantar grasp persists strongly beyond 12 months.
- Mention if your baby's toes curl under when they try to stand.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Foot reflexes are getting stronger.
- Your baby has other persistent reflexes alongside the plantar grasp.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of still has a persistent foot grasp reflex are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if foot reflexes are getting stronger.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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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.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
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Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
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.