Which reflex occurs when something is placed in the palm and the infant grips?

• A. Startle reflex
• B. Grip reflex
• C. Rooting reflex
• D. Sucking reflex

Answer: (B)

The reflex being tested is the palmar grasp reflex. When something touches the infant’s palm, the fingers curl around it and the hand quite firmly grips. This is a primitive reflex that helps the baby grasp and hold objects and also aids in early bonding. It’s normally present at birth and disappears as voluntary hand control develops over the next few months.

Other listed reflexes involve different triggers and responses: the startle reflex occurs in response to a sudden stimulus and causes the arms to flare and then come back in; the rooting reflex makes the baby turn toward a touch on the cheek and search with the mouth; the sucking reflex triggers automatic sucking when something touches the lips.