Introduction

As a parent, you might be concerned about your child's development and how they are progressing in their motor skills. One factor that can affect this is the STNR, or Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex. The STNR is a primitive reflex that is present in infants but should become integrated by the time a child is 6 to 8 months old. In this blog post, we will discuss what the STNR is, how it affects a child's development, and what can be done to help integrate the reflex.

What is the STNR?

The STNR is a reflex that is present in infants and is essential for the development of crawling and other gross motor skills. When a child is in a crawling position, the STNR causes the arms to straighten and the legs to bend. This position allows the child to move forward and backward on their hands and knees. If the STNR is not integrated by the time a child is 6 to 8 months old, it can affect their ability to crawl and other gross motor skills.

How does the STNR affect a child's development?

If the STNR is not integrated, it can cause a child to have difficulty crawling, sitting up, and standing. This can also affect their ability to develop hand-eye coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. Children who have not integrated the STNR may also have trouble with tasks that require crossing the midline, such as reading and writing.

What can be done to help integrate the STNR?

There are several exercises that can be done to help integrate the STNR. One exercise is called the bird dog exercise, where the child is on all fours, and you lift their opposite arm and leg. Another exercise is the Superman exercise, where the child lies on their stomach and lifts their arms and legs off the ground. These exercises can help to integrate the STNR and improve a child's gross motor skills.

Conclusion

The STNR is an important reflex that is present in infants and is essential for the development of gross motor skills. If the STNR is not integrated by the time a child is 6 to 8 months old, it can affect their ability to crawl and other gross motor skills. However, there are exercises that can be done to help integrate the STNR and improve a child's gross motor skills. If you are concerned about your child's development, it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional.