The Landau Reflex

What is The The Landau Reflex?

Beginning at 4 weeks, an infant is able to lift his head when lying on the stomach.
At about two months, he can then lift his chest when the head is raised. 
At four months, the infant starts to raise his legs while lifting the head and chest. These are all developmental stages for integrating the Landau Reflex.

Some symptoms of a non-integrated Landau Reflex
Around the age of 3, the Landau Reflex should be fully integrated when the child is on the stomach and can lift his head while keeping the legs on the floor.
This ability develops the gross motor cooperation and coordination between the top and bottom, and front and back of the body system.

• Challenges keeping head upright
• Supporting straight body posture
• Ability to sit upright
• Low muscle tone, especially in the neck and back
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Problems with vision, specifically near and three dimensional visions
• In depressed adults, the reflex is generally not integrated.  The Landau links body posture with emotions of joy and happiness