Stimulate the palm of the baby’s hands and observe the reflex grasping of your finger. Stroke the sole of the foot, and the toes will flex and curl around your examining finger. Make sure that the response is not inhibited by unintended stimulation of the dorsal aspect of feet and hands.

Persistence of the palmar grasp reflex beyond 6 months suggests cerebral dysfunction. It should be noted that babies normally hold their hands clenched during the first month of life. Persistence of the fisted hand beyond 2 months also suggests central nervous system damage.