What Is Parachute Reflex?
The "parachute reflex" is a reflex that occurs in infants and young children as a protective response to falling or the perception of falling. It is also known as the "Moro reflex" or the "startle reflex." The parachute reflex is typically elicited by suddenly lowering an infant towards a surface as if to simulate a fall or by quickly changing the angle of their body to mimic a falling sensation.
When the parachute reflex is triggered, the infant will typically react by extending their arms outward, fingers splayed, and their legs may also extend as if they are trying to grab onto something to break the fall. The infant may also arch their back and tilt their head back. This reflex is usually present from birth and typically diminishes or disappears by around four to six months of age.
The parachute reflex is considered an automatic protective response that helps an infant react to potential falls and protect their body from injury. It is one of the many reflexes that infants exhibit as part of their primitive reflexes, which are involuntary movements that are present during the early stages of development and gradually disappear as the central nervous system matures. The parachute reflex is an important developmental milestone and is typically assessed as part of a newborn’s or infant's neurological examination to assess their motor function and reflexes.
How to Test for the Parachute Reflex?
The parachute reflex can be tested in infants and young children using a simple procedure. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test the parachute reflex:
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Create a Safe Environment: Ensure that there is a soft surface, such as a padded mat or a bed, to catch the infant in case they do not respond with the parachute reflex and actually fall. Make sure the surrounding area is clear of any sharp objects or hazards.
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Position the Infant: Lay the infant on their back on the padded surface with their head facing up and their arms and legs relaxed.
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Prepare for the Test: Stand or kneel next to the infant and get ready to perform a sudden movement to simulate a fall. Make sure there is a firm grip on the infant to prevent them from actually falling.
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Simulate a Fall: Using a quick and gentle motion, lower the infant towards the surface as if they are falling, or change the angle of their body suddenly to mimic a falling sensation. It is important to be gentle and not to actually drop the infant or cause them any discomfort.
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Observe the Response: Watch the infant's reaction closely. If the parachute reflex is present, the infant should extend their arms outward, fingers splayed, as if trying to grab onto something to break the fall. Their legs may also extend, and they may arch their back and tilt their head back in a protective reflexive response.
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Assess the Reflex: Note the presence or absence of the parachute reflex and any other observations about the infant's response. The parachute reflex should be symmetrical, meaning both arms should extend outward equally.
What Are the Other Infant Reflexes?
Infants exhibit a number of other reflexes in addition to the parachute reflex. These reflexes are known as primitive reflexes and are typically present in the early stages of development. They are involuntary movements that are automatic and disappear or become integrated into more voluntary movements as the infant's nervous system matures. Here are some examples of other common primitive reflexes in infants:
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Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex): This reflex is often associated with the parachute reflex. It is triggered by a sudden loud noise, a sudden movement, or a sensation of falling, and causes the infant to startle by extending their arms outward, fingers splayed, and then bringing them back towards their body in a hugging motion.
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Rooting Reflex: This reflex is elicited by touching the infant's cheek or mouth, causing them to turn their head towards the stimulus and open their mouth in readiness for feeding.
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Sucking Reflex: This reflex is triggered by touching the infant's lips or placing an object, such as a nipple or a finger, in their mouth, causing them to suck rhythmically.
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Palmar Grasp Reflex: This reflex is elicited by stroking the infant's palm, causing them to close their fingers and grasp onto the stimulus.
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Plantar Grasp Reflex: This reflex is similar to the palmar grasp reflex but occurs in the infant's foot. When the sole of the foot is stroked, the infant's toes will curl and grip onto the stimulus.
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Babinski Reflex: This reflex is elicited by stroking the sole of the infant's foot from heel to toe, causing the toes to fan out and the big toe to extend upward.
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Tonic Neck Reflex (Fencer Reflex): This reflex is triggered by turning the infant's head to one side, causing them to extend the arm and leg on that side while flexing the opposite arm and leg.
How Infant Reflexes Are Associated With Neurological Development?
Infant reflexes are an important part of the development of the neurological system in infants. They are automatic, involuntary movements that are triggered by sensory stimuli and are controlled by the primitive parts of the brain. These reflexes serve as a way for infants to respond to their environment and interact with it, even before they have developed more sophisticated motor skills and voluntary control over their movements.
The presence or absence of certain infant reflexes can provide valuable information about the integrity of an infant's neurological system and motor development. Abnormal or absent reflexes may indicate developmental delays, neurological dysfunction, or other underlying issues that may require further evaluation or intervention.
As an infant grows and develops, these reflexes typically integrate into more voluntary movements and are replaced by more complex motor skills. For example, reflexes such as the rooting and sucking reflexes are essential for an infant's ability to feed and obtain nutrition, but as the infant develops, they will learn to coordinate voluntary sucking and swallowing movements.
The disappearance or integration of reflexes is considered a normal part of infant development and is indicative of the maturation of the neurological system. It signifies the development of higher levels of motor control, coordination, and voluntary movements as the infant's nervous system matures.
Conclusion
The parachute reflex is considered an automatic protective response that helps an infant react to potential falls and protect their body from injury. Infant reflexes play an important role in the development of the neurological system in infants. It is important to remember that every infant is unique, and developmental milestones may vary. If there are any concerns about the infant's reflexes or development, it is best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper assessment, guidance, and support. Early detection and intervention of any developmental concerns can help promote healthy neurological development in infants.
