When gymnasts pull off gravity-defying splits, we know it takes years of training and dedication. But when a baby hovers midair in an almost identical position? There’s probably a patch of grass involved.
Yes, grass. The same soft, harmless, perfectly normal ground covering that most adults don’t think twice about. But for some babies, it might as well be molten lava.
It turns out, a good number of tiny humans will do anything—twisting, balancing, contorting—to keep their delicate little limbs from making contact with the dreaded green menace. Parents have captured hilarious videos of their babies being lowered toward a lawn, only to see them instinctively lift their legs and refuse to touch down.
But why the dramatic reaction?
The Science Behind Grass Aversion
According to neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez, this reaction could come down to sensory overload.
“As a baby’s nervous system develops, sights, sensations, and sounds can feel intense,” Hafeez told Romper. “The ticklish, sharp blades of grass can catch a baby off guard, and some are often scared of it, as they’re used to softer, more familiar surfaces like carpet, tile, or wood.”
Pediatrician Dr. Gina Posner echoed this in Parents, explaining that grass’s rougher texture might feel uncomfortable compared to the smoother surfaces babies are used to. Plus, grass can sometimes cause mild itchiness or irritation, which might make little ones even warier.
An Evolutionary Instinct?
There’s also a chance that this fear of grass isn’t just about texture—it might be hardwired into us.
A 2014 study in Cognition found that infants as young as eight months old showed hesitation when touching plants compared to other objects. Researchers suggested that this could be an evolutionary survival mechanism, as plants can be unpredictable—some are safe, while others can be poisonous.
A follow-up study in 2019 found that babies between 8 and 18 months old often look to adults for reassurance before touching plants. Essentially, they’re waiting for social cues to determine if it’s safe. If the adults around them don’t react in a way that signals “this is okay,” they may choose to avoid it altogether.
Nature vs. Baby
So, are babies instinctively wary of grass? Are they just surprised by its texture? Or do they simply enjoy keeping their parents guessing?
Probably a little bit of everything.
Whatever the reason, watching babies reject the age-old advice to “touch grass” is pretty entertaining. And honestly? They might be onto something.