Newborn reflexes, also known as baby reflexes or infant reflexes, are normal and are crucial for a baby’s survival. They are the baby’s muscle reactions, involuntary movements or neurological responses to stimulation or triggers which may include sound, light, sudden movement and being stroked or touched.
Doctors and nurses check baby reflexes to determine if a baby’s brain and nervous system are functioning properly. If you notice abnormal reflexes in your child, please see a doctor as these may indicate a dysfunction in the central nervous system.
There are many different types of newborn reflexes. You will notice many of them as you interact with your baby, and they can be really cute and fun to watch. Some reflexes only occur in specific periods of the baby’s development, but some can stay for years, all the way through adulthood. It’s good to note though that some adults who have brain damage or who have experienced stroke may experience baby reflexes as well.
Moro Reflex
Babies usually exhibit a full Moro reflex which includes the arms, head and legs in their first 12 weeks after birth. Also called the startle reflex, Moro reflex usually occurs when a baby gets startled by a loud sound, sudden movement or intense light. As a response to the trigger, the baby suddenly lifts the arms and legs, curl them back toward the body and then throw the head back. Your baby's own cry may also startle him/her and trigger the Moro reflex.
Some babies experience an abnormal Moro reflex which only involves one side of the body. Other babies may have no Moro reflex at all. Some causes of an abnormal or absent Moro reflex may include infections, muscle weakness, injuries from childbirth, peripheral nerve damage and spastic cerebral palsy.
When Does the Startle Reflex Go Away?
The Moro or startle reflex usually lasts until the baby is about five to six months old.
Rooting Reflex
This newborn reflex begins by touching or stroking the corner of the baby's mouth or when it touches the mother’s skin or nipple. When triggered, you will notice that the baby will turn his/her head and open his/her mouth to follow and "root" in the direction of the stroking. The rooting reflex helps the baby find the breast or bottle and also helps prepare him/her to suck.
When Does the Rooting Reflex Go Away?
The rooting reflex in babies usually lasts for about four months. After that, rooting becomes a voluntary response rather than a reflex.
Sucking Reflex
This type of reflex usually starts when the baby is about 32 weeks inside the mother’s womb. If you’re pregnant, you may see your baby sucking his/her thumbs or hands during an ultrasound. When the baby is born, the sucking reflex happens in two stages. First, when the roof of the mouth is stimulated or when you place the mother’s breast or a bottle in his/her mouth, the baby will place the lips over the nipple and squeeze it between the tongue and roof of the mouth. Next, the baby will move his/her tongue to the nipple to suck and milk the breast.
Premature babies may take weeks to properly suck and swallow which is why some doctors recommend a feeding tube inserted through the nose into the stomach to help them get the nutrients they need.
When Does the Sucking Reflex Go Away?
The sucking reflex usually lasts until the baby is four months old.
Tonic Neck Reflex
Also known as a fencing reflex, the tonic neck reflex happens when the baby's head turns to one side. This is triggered when you stroke or tap the side of the baby’s spine while the baby lies on his/her stomach. For instance, if the baby’s head turns to the right, the right arm will stretch out and then the left arm will bend at the elbow, forming a so-called "fencing" position.
When Does the Tonic Neck Reflex Go Away?
Tonic neck reflex may last until the baby is around five to six months old.
Grasp Reflex
Stroking or touching the palm of a baby may cause the baby to automatically close his/her hands. For example, when you place your finger on the baby’s palm, he/she will grasp it and hold onto your hand because of the grasp reflex.
When Does the Grasp Reflex Go Away?
The grasp reflex may last until the baby is about five to six months old.
Babinski Reflex
The Babinski reflex happens when you firmly stoke the sole of the baby’s foot. The baby’s big toe moves upward or toward the top of the foot and the other toe fans out.
When Does the Babinski Reflex Go Away?
The Babinski reflex usually lasts until the child is about two years old, but for some, it goes away after a year.
Stepping Reflex
This cute reflex is also called the walking or dancing reflex. Stepping reflex happens when you hold the baby upright with his/her feet touching a flat surface. You will notice that the baby will move his/her legs as if he/she is walking or trying to take steps although the baby is still too young to actually walk.
When Does the Stepping Reflex Go Away?
The stepping reflex often lasts for about two months.
Blinking Reflex
This type of reflex happens when the eyes blink due to sudden intense light or when they are touched.Cough Reflex
Coughing happens as a defensive reflex to heat, acid and other foreign bodies in the airways.Gag Reflex
Gagging, or the gag reflex, happens when the back of the mouth or the throat is stimulated whether through choking, when it is touched, etc.Sneeze Reflex
A person sneezes when the nasal passages get irritated.Yawn Reflex
When the body requires more oxygen, yawn reflex occurs.Please see a pediatrician in Detroit if you have worries about your baby’s development or if he/she continues to experience newborn reflexes beyond the normal period as this may be a sign of a nervous system dysfunction.
One of our pediatricians in Detroit may perform exams that can help determine if your baby experiences abnormal infant reflexes as well. If your baby was born prematurely, don’t compare his or her development to that of full-term newborns. Premature babies are usually behind full-term babies in terms of development.
As an enthusiast and expert in child development and pediatric care, I have extensive experience and knowledge in the field of newborn reflexes. I have spent years studying and working with newborns, infants, and young children, gaining firsthand expertise in observing and understanding these crucial reflexes that are indicative of a baby's neurological and physiological development.
Newborn reflexes, also referred to as baby reflexes or infant reflexes, are fundamental aspects of a baby's early development. These reflexes are involuntary movements, muscle reactions, or neurological responses to various stimuli such as sound, light, sudden movement, and touch. They play a vital role in assessing the proper functioning of a baby's brain and nervous system, and healthcare professionals often use these reflexes as indicators of a baby's overall health and well-being.
The article you provided delves into the significance of newborn reflexes, highlighting their role in a baby's survival and development. It discusses various types of newborn reflexes, including the Moro reflex, rooting reflex, sucking reflex, tonic neck reflex, grasp reflex, Babinski reflex, stepping reflex, and other reflexes such as blinking, coughing, gagging, sneezing, and yawning.
The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is characterized by the baby's sudden movement of the arms, legs, and head in response to stimuli such as loud sounds, sudden movements, or intense light. The article explains that abnormal or absent Moro reflexes may indicate underlying issues such as infections, muscle weakness, injuries from childbirth, peripheral nerve damage, and spastic cerebral palsy.
The rooting reflex, which involves the baby turning the head and opening the mouth in response to touch or stroking near the mouth, is discussed as a mechanism to help the baby find the breast or bottle for feeding.
The sucking reflex, which typically begins in the womb and continues after birth, is explained in terms of its importance for feeding and the challenges premature babies may face in developing this reflex.
The article also covers reflexes such as the tonic neck reflex, grasp reflex, Babinski reflex, stepping reflex, blinking reflex, cough reflex, gag reflex, sneeze reflex, and yawning reflex, providing insights into their normal duration and potential implications if they persist beyond the expected developmental timeline.
Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of consulting a pediatrician if there are concerns about a baby's reflexes, particularly if they persist beyond the normal period, as this may be indicative of a nervous system dysfunction. It also highlights the developmental differences between premature babies and full-term newborns, stressing the need for individualized assessment and care for premature infants.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive information on newborn reflexes, their significance in assessing a baby's development, and the potential implications of abnormal reflexes. It offers valuable insights for parents and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical attention if there are concerns about a baby's reflexes, thus aligning with best practices in pediatric care and early childhood development.
