Which reflexes disappear within the first few months of life?

The grasping and stepping reflexes are among those that typically disappear within the first few months of life. The grasping reflex, where infants automatically close their fingers around an object placed in their hand, usually fades around 3 to 4 months, while the stepping reflex, which involves a rhythmic stepping motion when the soles of the feet touch a surface, typically fades by 2 months. The disappearance of these reflexes is part of normal neurological development as the brain matures and the infant begins to gain voluntary control over movements.

In contrast, the eye-blink reflex, swallowing reflex, and sneezing reflex are more permanent and generally remain throughout life. These reflexes serve essential functions: the eye-blink reflex protects the eyes from foreign objects; the swallowing reflex aids in digestion; and the sneezing reflex helps clear the nasal passages. Thus, they do not disappear in the early months of life like the grasping and stepping reflexes do.