When does the stepping reflex typically disappear in infants?

The stepping reflex, also known as the walking or dance reflex, typically disappears by around 4 weeks of age. This reflex is observed when an infant is held upright and is allowed to stand on a surface; they will make stepping movements, as if they are trying to walk. This reflex is part of the normal neurological development of infants and is indicative of the functioning of their motor pathways.

Around the 4-week mark, as the infant grows and develops, they begin to gain more control over their movements, and the stepping reflex gradually fades. This transition is a normal part of development, as infants start to exhibit more purposeful and voluntary motor control as they approach the next stages of development.

Understanding the timeline of reflexes helps in assessing an infant's neurological health and developmental milestones, as each reflex corresponds with the maturation of different areas of the nervous system. In this case, the stepping reflex serves as an early indicator of motor development but is not typically sustained beyond the first month.