At what stage is a baby typically assessed for the Babinski reflex?

The Babinski reflex is a developmental response that is commonly assessed in infants. This reflex typically occurs when the sole of the foot is stroked, causing the toes to flair upward and the big toe to move upward as well. It is a normal reflex in babies, indicating the proper functioning of the nervous system.

At around 3 months of age, infants are generally expected to show the Babinski reflex clearly as part of typical neurological assessment. The presence of this reflex indicates that the baby’s nervous system is developing appropriately.

As babies grow and develop, this reflex gradually disappears, typically by the age of 12 months, as the nervous system matures and develops voluntary motor control. In assessing developmental milestones, knowing when specific reflexes appear and disappear is crucial, which is why the 3-month mark is significant for the Babinski reflex assessment. Evaluating this reflex earlier than 3 months is less standardized and may not yield clear results, while assessing it beyond this age would not provide relevant information regarding current development since it typically fades.