Infant Reflexes
Reflexes are involuntary movements or actions. Some movements are spontaneous, occurring as part of the baby's usual activity. Others are responses to certain actions. Reflexes are markers that help identify normal brain and nerve activity. Some reflexes occur only in specific periods of development and then are integrated and fade away. These are some of the normal reflexes seen in newborn babies:
Root reflex
This reflex begins when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. It may also be elicited by stroking down the middle of the lower lip. The baby should turn his/her head and open his/her mouth to follow and "root" in the direction of the stroking. This reflex helps the baby find the breast or bottle to begin feeding. It is a very important step in feeding and should not be bypassed. It usually goes away by age 3-4 months, but may persist with some infants. You may also elicit root with a pacifier dipped in breastmilk or formula if your baby is a non-oral feeder or this may help prepare a baby prior to nippling if the infant is having difficulty with oral feedings. Babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that goes with rooting and sucking and may suck on fingers or hands. This may also help prepare the baby for nippling.
Suck reflex
When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched, 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. This is why we suggest waiting until approximately 34-36 weeks for active nippling attempts in the NICU. The sensory receptors in the throat are not fully active until after 34 weeks. The baby needs to be able to feel liquid in the throat to swallow well. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability.
Moro reflex
The Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to sound, the baby throws back his/her head, extends out the arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in. A baby's own cry can startle him/her and begin this reflex. This reflex ends at about five to six months.
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 ends at about six to seven months.
Grasp reflex
Stroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close his/her fingers in a grasp. The grasp reflex lasts only a couple of months. Grasp is also a good reflex to elicit while feeding. It may be stronger in premature babies.
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 up that lasts until about 2 years of age.
Step reflex
This reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps when held upright with his/her feet touching a solid surface.
Reflexes are involuntary movements or actions. Some movements are spontaneous, occurring as part of the baby's usual activity. Others are responses to certain actions. Reflexes are markers that help identify normal brain and nerve activity. Some reflexes occur only in specific periods of development and then are integrated and fade away. These are some of the normal reflexes seen in newborn babies:
Root reflex
This reflex begins when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. It may also be elicited by stroking down the middle of the lower lip. The baby should turn his/her head and open his/her mouth to follow and "root" in the direction of the stroking. This reflex helps the baby find the breast or bottle to begin feeding. It is a very important step in feeding and should not be bypassed. It usually goes away by age 3-4 months, but may persist with some infants. You may also elicit root with a pacifier dipped in breastmilk or formula if your baby is a non-oral feeder or this may help prepare a baby prior to nippling if the infant is having difficulty with oral feedings. Babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that goes with rooting and sucking and may suck on fingers or hands. This may also help prepare the baby for nippling.
Suck reflex
When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched, 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. This is why we suggest waiting until approximately 34-36 weeks for active nippling attempts in the NICU. The sensory receptors in the throat are not fully active until after 34 weeks. The baby needs to be able to feel liquid in the throat to swallow well. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability.
Moro reflex
The Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to sound, the baby throws back his/her head, extends out the arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in. A baby's own cry can startle him/her and begin this reflex. This reflex ends at about five to six months.
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 ends at about six to seven months.
Grasp reflex
Stroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close his/her fingers in a grasp. The grasp reflex lasts only a couple of months. Grasp is also a good reflex to elicit while feeding. It may be stronger in premature babies.
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 up that lasts until about 2 years of age.
Step reflex
This reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps when held upright with his/her feet touching a solid surface.