05/29/2026
THE STEPPING REFLEX (not an exercise or activity to do) … shown here! It is:
⚜️when placing baby’s feet on a firm surface (or top/dorsum of foot on edge of a table then placing foot on table) the baby does automatic steps!
⚜️Present from birth
⚜️Can disappear from 4-8 weeks
⚜️Considered a survival reflex or primitive reflex
⚜️Thought to help babies step up mommas chest in those first moments of kangaroo care (skin to skin) to find food while also utilizing the sucking reflex and rooting reflex.
⚜️Pediatricians check on it for neuro assessment
‼️there are many primitive reflexes that our bodies learn to integrate as we develop. This is an example of one. Others demonstrated in other posts are ATNR, galant, STNR, rooting, Moro, sucking, TLR etc
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Hi 👋 I’m Jennifer, a pediatric physical therapist, mom and Grandmom!
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DISCLAIMER : just bc a newborn has a stepping reflex, it does not mean they can walk. This is an ASSESSMENT reflex only. Not a skill to practice! let pediatrician or your favorite pedi PT check it out ❤️💙 try at your own risk ⚠️