7 COMMON NEWBORN REFLEXES

Although a newborn spends about 16 hours a day sleeping, the time a baby is awake can be busy. Much of a newborn's movements and activity are reflexes or involuntary--the baby does not purposefully make these movements. Common reflexes in newborns include the following:

 

1.Root reflex. This reflex happens when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. The baby will turn his or her head and opens his or her mouth to follow and "root" in the direction of the stroking. The root reflex helps the baby find the breast or bottle.

 

2.Suck reflex. When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched with the breast or bottle nipple, the baby will begin to suck. This reflex does not begin until about the 32nd week of pregnancy and is not fully developed until about 36 weeks. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability, because they are born before the development of this reflex. Babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that accompanies rooting and sucking and may suck on their fingers or hands.

 

3.Moro reflex. The Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex because it usually happens when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to the sound, the baby throws back his or her head, throws out his or her arms and legs, cries, then pulls his or her arms and legs back in. Sometimes, a baby's own cries can startle him or her, initiating this reflex. The Moro reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 6 months old.

 

4.Tonic neck reflex. When a baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow. This is often called the "fencing" position. The tonic neck reflex lasts until the baby is about 6 to 7 months old.

 

5.Grasp reflex. With the grasp reflex, stroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close his or her fingers in a grasp. The grasp reflex lasts only a couple of months and is stronger in premature babies.

 

6.Babinski reflex. With the Babinski reflex, when the sole of the foot is firmly stroked, the big toe bends back toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out. This is a normal reflex until the child is about 2 years old.

 

7.Step reflex. This reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with his or her feet touching a solid surface.

 

As the nervous system begins to mature, these reflexes give way to purposeful behaviors. However, if you do not see your baby with these common reflexes, you should come to see your doctor for advice.