- The Landau reflex is a postural reflex that the infant needs to develop to sit and walk independently. It allows the child to strengthen muscle tone and refine motor skills.
- To test for the reflex, the doctor will hold the infant face down horizontally. The baby's head will raise up, while her trunk will be straight and her legs extended. When the doctor pushes the baby's head downward, her legs should drop as well. When the doctor releases the baby's head, both her head and legs should return to their original positions.
- The reflex can appear any time between 3 months to 10 months and disappears as the child matures, usually by the time he is 3 years old.
- Assessing the Landau reflex is part of the routine physical examination for babies who are 6 months old.
- If an infant lacks the Landau reflex, he may need to be evaluated for a motor development issue. Children with cerebral palsy can lack the Landau reflex.
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