Every parent knows that slightly (very!) tiring phase when their baby throws or drops every object that comes within reach. It's almost as if she's doing it on purpose to annoy us! But actually, your child is simply discovering the fine motor skills of the hand and integrating her grasping reflex. This phase will allow her to hold a pen correctly, to cut properly, to color without (too) much overtaking, to play an instrument, ...

This reflex is linked to the Moro reflex. Indeed, during the second phase of the Moro reflex (the closing), the baby's fists close to grasp a point of attachment. The Moro ends when the grasping reflex is activated. Some professionals see this as a reason why we like to fiddle with and knead objects when we are stressed (as a reminder, the Moro reflex is activated in babies when there is stress or danger). Kneading an object would recall the activation of the grasping and the end of the Moro.

The reflex is already present in-utero and is integrated at the end of the first year after delivery.

Observation

The grasping reflex is very simple to observe in babies. Simply run your finger over his palm and you will see that he will close his fist with a surprising strength.
In adults, it can also be observed by touching the surface of the palm with a finger or pen. If the reflex is still active, you should see small spasms in the fingers, as if the hand wanted to close itself.

Consequences of non-integration

The main consequence of non-integration is the lack of fine motor skills in the hand. If not properly integrated by the time they start school, your child will find it very difficult to hold a pen properly. Activities such as drawing, colouring and crafts will require a lot of concentration and can quickly become a chore.

Integration exercises

Fortunately, this reflex is quite easy to integrate. You can simply knead objects (anti- stress balls, for example), have fun throwing them, catch them, squeeze them hard, squeeze them just enough so that the ball doesn't fall out of your hand, ...
It is always quite spectacular to compare the writing before and after the integration of this reflex. Feel free to do the test yourself if you think your grasping reflex is still active!

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