Palmar Grasp Reflex: Why Are Babies Grip So Strong?

Babies have a tight grip because it is a bodily reflex known as the Palmar Grasp Reflex (or simply the grasp reflex), which is typically observed in infants. You can elicit the grasp reflex by stroking your finger or any other object in a baby’s palm. This reflex appears in the baby before it’s even born; it first occurs when the baby is 16 weeks old in the womb and can be observed until almost 5-6 months after birth. The most noteworthy characteristic of their grip is that it’s incredibly strong; you wouldn’t normally expect such a solid, firm grip from a baby that small. In fact, the grip is so strong and resolute that it could help the baby support its own body weight.