The STNR reflex helps prepare an infant to push itself up off the ground from the prone position in preparation for creeping on hands and knees. The STNR reflex is activated by movement of the head up and down which automatically results in movement in the arms and legs. When the head is lifted up there is extension in the upper limbs accompanied by flexion in the lower limbs. When the head is lowered, the limbs of the upper body flex and lower limbs extend.  Most babies pass through a phase of rocking forward and back on their hands and knees, helping to integrate this reflex before learning to creep on their hands and knees.

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