An Introduction to Primitive Reflexes in Child Development
Primitive reflexes are an important but rarely discussed element of child development. In addition to facilitating a newborn’s survival, these early, automatic, involuntary movement patterns prepare and propel the infant through their motor development, creating important neural pathways in the brain that support more complex movements later in life.
Body Geography and Spatial Orientation
Beyond supporting survival, primitive reflexes drive early gross and fine motor development. They act like an inner map that gradually guides a child toward uprightness and intentional movement against gravity. Through reflex-based movement, infants come to know their own bodies, referred to as Body Geography (“Oh, I have hands!”), as well as begin to understand how their bodies relate to the world around them, known as Spatial Orientation (“When I stretch my arm, I touch the crib”). These early physical experiences form the foundation for later skills such as reading, writing, attention, coordination, emotional regulation, stamina, and the ability for both sides of the brain to work together efficiently.
A Shared Developmental Sequence
Primitive reflexes are archetypal, meaning, barring certain medical conditions, human beings move through the same general sequence of reflex patterns at roughly the same stages of development.
For example, if you are a parent or have spent considerable time with an infant, you may remember initiating a baby’s feeding by gently touching their cheek with a breast or bottle nipple. That touch naturally causes the baby to turn their head toward the stimulus and open their mouth. This response, called the rooting reflex, begins before birth and typically fades by about six months of age.
This reflex is essential for survival, but it also supports awareness of the mouth as well as the space between the body and a food source. This allows the child to learn to gauge how much effort is needed for the act of feeding. When sensitivities around the face, mouth, or food textures persist beyond early childhood, it can sometimes be connected to this reflex remaining more active than expected.
What Does “Integration” Mean?
When a reflex has ample opportunity to be practiced during its natural window of activity, it becomes integrated. Integration simply means the brain and nervous system have learned and organized the movement pattern. Once this happens, the body can move on to more complex, voluntary movements. For example, if you were to touch an older child’s cheek, we would expect that they would no longer have the involuntary response to turn their heads.
If a reflex is not fully integrated, the body often finds creative ways to compensate so development can continue. The body’s adaptability is remarkable, but these compensations can require extra effort and energy.
Possible Signs to Explore
Some behaviors may suggest reflexes are still influencing a child’s movement or behavior. These signs are not diagnostic and can have many contributing factors; however, when several are present, it can be helpful to consider whether primitive reflexes are still playing a role:
W-sitting
Poor balance or frequent clumsiness
Writing with the head on the desk or tongue out
Sensitivities to clothing tags, textures, or food in the mouth
Challenges with attention or focus
Bedwetting beyond expected ages
Poor posture or fatigue
Heightened responses to light or sound
Anxiety
Persistent toe walking
Why This Matters
Exploring primitive reflexes is one way of supporting the body’s underlying organization so learning, movement, and regulation can occur with greater ease. Addressing these early movement patterns can help reduce unnecessary compensation and allow a child’s natural capacities to emerge more fully.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about how reflex integration may support your child, you can book an appointment at www.tendingthecurrents.com
By: Emily Barstad, M.Ed., 2026