What can your baby’s feet tell you about their brain?

Babies are born with primitive reflexes which are response to stimuli that are controlled by the primitive area of the brain, the brainstem. 
 
What starts out as an involuntary movement coming from the brainstem, moves into a controlled response as they become more aware of and in control of their movements. 
These reflexes are demonstrations of your baby’s brain development! 
 
Two reflexes you can see in your babies’ feet are: 
 
Babinski reflex

When you touch the sole of your baby's feet, their big toe followed by their other toes will curl towards your finger.

Step reflex

Which your health visitor will demonstrate to you, is where your baby when held upright on a flat service, will move as if they are stepping on the surface.