Friday, February 17, 2012

Fun Facts Friday


THAT'S ONE TIGHT GRIP YOU'VE GOT THERE!!! 
The grasp reflex is one of many reflexes a baby is born with. Lay your finger on the palm of a baby's hand, and they will usually clamp  their tiny, butt mighty fingers around it. In fact, a newborn's grip is so strong that they can briefly support their own weight. 


A recent study has showed that when they hold on to their mothers, an infants' heartbeats slow, this suggests that babies receive a calming sense of security from contact with Mom.
As babies grow, they replace the involuntary grasping reflex with a keen interest in trying to control their movements, attempting to master such fascinating activities as spoon holding and sippy-cup-against-the-high-chair whacking. At this point, they move on to dropping, throwing, and letting go of everything in sight. Except, that is, when a coveted toy might be taken away, in which case they rediscover their iron grip. Whoever said taking candy from a baby is easy has obviously never tried.

5 comments:

  1. Great information Annie. I love when baby Camila does that to my finger ;)

    Leela, on the other hand, never did that, lol. She just comes and lays on my lap when she needs reassurance.

    Happy Friday!

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  2. Thanks Isa I'm glad you find it informative...I really love writing these baby/child health snippets.

    Give Leela an extra snuggle :D

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  3. I do remember babies having a strong grip. Angel grabs at me from the nightstand whenenever I try to get out of bed. She's seems to think she'll get treats. Don't know why she thinks that! :)

    Have a great weekend Annie!

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  4. i wonder why she thinks that too Sharla...hmmmm?! ;)

    Thank and you enjoy your weekend too....hope it's moving slow as can be!

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  5. Love when they "hang on"....lasts such a short time before they are teenagers, and will do anything but! :)

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