A child's motor development is not random; it is a harmonious process guided by primitive reflexes, which are innate bodily responses to stimuli. One of the most important reflexes, influencing not only birth but also later concentration, motor coordination and bladder control, is the Galant reflex.
What Is the Galant Reflex?
This reflex occurs when a gentle touch along one side of the baby's spine causes the torso to curve automatically towards the stimulus. It is a natural mechanism that can be observed even in newborns, particularly during 'tummy time', when the baby lies on their tummy and makes characteristic movements with the pelvis and legs.
The source says that this 'snake-like' movement plays an important role during vaginal birth by helping the baby move through the birth canal. It claims that babies born by caesarean section or with vacuum assistance often do not have the opportunity to activate this reflex fully, which may lead to atypical development or failure of the reflex to integrate.
When should the reflex disappear?
The Galant reflex should gradually disappear by around 9 months of age. If it remains active in an older child, it may disrupt everyday functioning, particularly in areas related to sensory perception, concentration and motor skills.
Possible signs of a retained reflex, according to the source, if your child:
- They still wet the bed at night, even though they are already preschool age,
- Is sensitive to touch on the lower back or does not like wearing tight-fitting clothes,
- fidgets and cannot sit still, especially while learning,
- Has difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention,
- Feels uncomfortable in a crowd or has difficulty with social interactions, …this may indicate a retained Galant reflex.
In addition, a retained Galant reflex may disrupt the integration of other reflexes, for example in the hands and feet, resulting in motor clumsiness or difficulty mastering precise movements.
What Can You Do?
The source states that specialist primitive-reflex integration programmes are available from sensory-integration or neurodevelopmental therapists, including approaches such as MNRI or INPP. It claims that regular exercises may help integrate a retained reflex and improve a child's comfort in daily life.
It is also worth remembering that therapy is not about 'accelerating' development but about removing the obstacles that interfere with it.
To help the child integrate this reflex, it is worth introducing, for example:
Neurophysiological exercises (MNRI):
According to Dr Masgutova's approach, the child's natural movement patterns are to be supported through:
- Stimulation of the Galant area – a gentle, rhythmic massage along the erector spinae muscle, one side at a time, using the index finger or the hand and moving from the lower ribs down to the hip. Perform it slowly, with 5–6 repetitions on each side, preferably in a calm atmosphere, for example before bedtime.
- Tummy-time position with the upper body raised: the baby lies on their tummy and lifts the head and upper body while supported on the forearms. An adult might blow bubbles for the baby to watch in this position.
- Reverse floating crocodile - the child lies on their back and ‘crawls’, moving in a wave-like motion while trying to keep their torso on the floor.
- Supporting body awareness (proprioception and touch) through:
- Wilbarger joint compressions (after consultation with
- Activities with an exercise ball — gentle rocking while lying on the tummy and rolling forwards and backwards.
- Sensory massage: drawing with a finger on the back, playing ‘guess what I'm drawing’, and massage with a brush or feather.
- An unintegrated Galant reflex may cause hypersensitivity to stimuli around the back. It is therefore worth avoiding touching the child’s back unexpectedly, for example while dressing them, and giving the child an opportunity to retain control over the situation.
- Clothing without irritating seams, soft labels, and fewer irritating stimuli around the waist.
Why Is So Little Said About This?
Many parents and, unfortunately, some specialists are unaware of the impact that persistent primitive reflexes can have on a child’s day-to-day functioning. In traditional education and healthcare systems, this subject is sometimes overlooked because symptoms such as hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating and bedwetting are often treated separately, without looking for a common cause. Meanwhile, reflex integration is an increasingly recognised field of developmental neurophysiology, and understanding it allows the child to be viewed more holistically.