At what age does the grasp reflex typically disappear?

Prepare for the VATI Pediatrics Exam with challenging questions and comprehensive explanations. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions to understand key concepts and succeed in your exam!

The grasp reflex, also known as the palmar grasp reflex, is a primitive reflex seen in infants. It typically appears at birth but starts to gradually diminish as the child develops more voluntary motor control.

By around three months of age, most infants have begun to show greater control over their hand movements, which leads to the fading of this reflex. At this age, they start to actively reach for and grasp objects with intention rather than simply reflexively closing their hands around anything that touches their palms. This transition is an important milestone in the development of fine motor skills.

As children grow, they become more adept at using their hands for purposeful actions, which is why recognizing the development of motor skills in this manner is critical for evaluating a child's growth and development.

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