Landau Reflex

Landau is an important transitional reflex that touches on multiple developmental domains including posture, movement and information processing. As TLR begins to integrate, and as Moro matures, Landau emerges after birth. The movement, which together tends to mimic a Superman position or a skydiver in flight, initiates when an infant is in the prone position. Whether on his belly or held in a horizonal position under the belly, an infant’s chest and head lifts. Usually, legs, arms or both will lift and extend. There is a feeling of joy and safety in exploration. 

The reflex involves the full body, serving to establish connections between upper and lower halves. The stretching or extension of the limbs supports self-initiation, reaching outward with the potential to then bring things in. The head extends, increasing blood flow to the brain and specifically the prefrontal cortex.

The stimulation and connections established within the neocortex and the prefrontal cortex help establish the brain’s ability to be focused and attend. If the Landau reflex remains immature, memory retention and organizational abilities may suffer. Without a strong sense of self-motivation and initiative, an immature reflex may manifest in procrastination and a general lack of confidence in decision making. 

Physically, Landau continues the important postural journey, establishing control over all parts of the body as they navigate in tandem. An active Landau reflex may result in clumsy or stiff movements and lack of coordination. Tense postures and toe-walking may also be linked to reflex immaturities. As Landau emerges and the head lifts upward, a new perspective is established as an infant. The development supports three-dimensional vision, as well as the overall binocular vision and binaural hearing.