The stepping reflex is a natural response observed in newborns, typically present from birth until about two months of age. When a baby is held upright with their feet touching a flat surface, they will instinctively make stepping motions, as if trying to walk. This reflex is a sign of the baby's developing nervous system and muscle coordination. This reflex is often tested by pediatricians to assess a baby's neurological health. It is part of a group of primitive reflexes, which also includes the grasp reflex and the rooting reflex. These reflexes are crucial for survival and development in the early stages of life.