This reflex helps to prepare a baby for crawling and walking. The sign of a Spinal Galant reflex that has not been integrated is a ‘wriggly’ child. This reflex can be seen on babies when stroking one side of the lower spine, which causes the baby to flex away and raise their hip. This reflex is easy to spot if it is not integrated in a child – any light touch to the lower back will cause wriggling – even the pressure of clothing or the back of the chair in the classroom can irritate a child to the point of being unable to sit still (which often means they are told off and seen as ‘difficult’). I have also seen children who wet the bed – even up to age 12 or 13 – due to the Spinal Galant reflex. A really helpful website is: https://www.retainedneonatalreflexes.com.au – it includes a range of questions, at-home ‘tests’ and explanations of the reflexes. It’s also worth jumping on YouTube to see videos of the retained reflexes in action, if you suspect your child may be exhibiting one of these.
