When does an infant typically demonstrate protective extension forward?

Protective extension forward is a significant motor milestone that usually develops when an infant is around 6 to 7 months old. At this age, infants start to gain better control over their trunk and arms, which allows them to extend their arms forward in response to a loss of balance or when they are in a sitting position. This reflex helps them to prevent falls by reaching out to support themselves.

As infants grow, they become more exploratory and adventurous in their movements, leading to a higher risk of stumbles or falls. The protective extension forward provides a safety mechanism to help them stabilize themselves and promote safe exploration of their environment. This milestone is closely tied to the overall development of gross motor skills, signaling that the child is becoming more mobile and independent. Motor development in this age range is crucial for a child's ability to explore, learn, and interact with their surroundings in increasingly complex ways.