Question
Do newborns who don’t clasp their fists have issues?
Answer
Currently, this situation may indicate some issues with nerve damage or similar conditions, which could potentially affect this aspect. At 4 days old, a newborn’s hands often remain open, or they might spread their fingers wide when excited. When you place your hand in theirs, they may not grip it much, or the grip might be very weak. Sometimes, they might hold their fingers as shown in the image. In the early days after birth, the grasping reflex is relatively weak, while the reflexes of embracing and suckling are more pronounced. It is recommended to observe other reflexes to ensure they are normal. If they are, there is no need for treatment. At the same time, pay attention to observe the newborn’s mental response, suckling and swallowing, and muscle tone to ensure they are normal. Generally speaking, if all these aspects are normal, there is no need to worry too much.