Landau Reflex

Landau reflex or Landau reaction is characterized by infants’ raised heads and slightly flexed legs when in a prone position. Their bodies maintain this convex arc when held horizontally. This reflex begins to manifest at three months and lasts until about 2 years. Those with floppy infant syndrome and hypotonia may show a poor Landau reaction while those with hypertonia may show an exaggerated reflex. This kind of position is important in preventing smothering as well as in preparing babies to crawl.