When a newborn holds onto your fingers tightly, opens their mouth to forage, kicks their legs and arms, or dances, do you know that these innate "little movements" are the "life code" of human development - the primitive reflex of infants. What is primitive reflection? What energy does it contain? Why do novice parents need to pay attention? Regarding these issues, the reporter interviewed Zhang Biyun, Deputy Chief Physician of Pediatrics at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Primitive reflex is a response that occurs in a certain set of neural pathways after a newborn is born under certain stimuli. It is a congenital, unconscious motor response controlled by lower level neural centers such as the brainstem and spinal cord, and can be triggered without the need for learning Zhang Biyun said that these reflexes play a crucial role in the early survival and development of infants and gradually disappear as the nervous system matures. Generally speaking, after 3-6 months of birth, these primitive reflexes gradually disappear and are replaced by autonomous movements developed in advanced brain regions. There are about 10 primitive reflexes, including foraging reflex, sucking reflex, hugging reflex, grasping reflex, bending reflex, stepping reflex, tension neck reflex, etc. Each reflex condition is an important signal for the development of the infant's nervous system. For example, when a newborn's cheek or lips are touched with their fingers, they exhibit a movement similar to foraging when turning to the same side, which is called the foraging reflex; When the nipple touches the lower lip of a newborn, it can trigger their sucking reflex. This type of reflex is innate at birth and is a survival instinct of newborns. It gradually weakens and disappears with the baby's autonomous eating at 4-6 months of age. For example, when a newborn touches their palm with a finger or pencil, they will grip it tightly with their hand and stimulate the soles of their feet with a similar reaction, which is called the grip reflex. The grip reflex of newborns is very strong, and some newborns can hold the examiner's hand tightly to suspend their entire body. The grip reflex gradually replaces the active grasping action after 3 months. It is worth noting that newborns or infants with severe brain damage or abnormally high muscle tone may have excessive grip reflex. Primitive reflexes participate in the construction of a baby's motor, cognitive, and socio emotional development system in a unique way. By observing and utilizing the primitive reflexes of infants, parents can not only understand their children's neurological development status, but also promote their growth in daily interactions. Zhang Biyun suggests the following to parents: do a good job in screening the health of babies. Parents should actively ask the doctor for the original reflex test results and learn simple home observation methods during the child health examination, such as lightly touching the palm to observe the grip reflex. When abnormalities are detected, avoid self judgment and promptly refer to a pediatric neurology specialist. Establish a developmental timeline for the baby. Record the appearance and disappearance time of key reflexes, compare bilateral symmetry, for example, lightly touch the baby's left and right palms, observe whether the grasping force is consistent, weak unilateral reflexes may indicate diseases such as brachial plexus damage or clavicle fracture. Attention should also be paid to changes in reflex intensity, such as in the suction reflex. If the suction suddenly becomes weak from strong suction, it is necessary to investigate the possibility of infection in the baby. Activate neural pathways through touch and massage. If performing foot massage, gently stroke the baby's foot to promote the development of lower limb sensory perception. Perform palm massage by pressing the baby's palm with the thumb to relieve muscle tension caused by excessive grip reflex. (New Society)