Reflexes are involuntary movements or actions. Some movements are spontaneous and occur as part of the baby's normal activity. Others are responses to certain actions. Healthcare providers check reflexes to determine if the brain and nervous system are working well. Some reflexes occur only in specific periods of development. The following are some of the normal reflexes seen in newborn babies: Show
Rooting reflexThis reflex starts when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. The baby will turn their head and open their mouth to follow and root in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding. This reflex lasts about 4 months. Suck reflexRooting helps the baby get ready to suck. When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched, the baby will start to suck. This reflex doesn't start 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 of this. Because babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that goes with rooting and sucking, they may suck on their fingers or hands. Moro reflexThe Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex. That’s because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to the sound, the baby throws back their head, extends out their arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in. A baby's own cry can startle them and trigger this reflex. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 2 months old. Tonic neck reflexWhen 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. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 7 months old. Grasp reflexStroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close their fingers in a grasp. The grasp reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 6 months old. A similar reflex in the toes lasts until 9 to 12 months. Stepping reflexThis reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with their feet touching a solid surface. This reflex lasts about 2 months. Your baby’s newborn reflexes are their involuntary reactions to certain stimulation. Your baby was born with these reflexes to help them survive. Your baby’s pediatrician will monitor your baby’s reflexes to make sure your baby is developing properly. Many of your newborn’s reflexes will disappear within their first few months of life.
OverviewWhat are newborn reflexes?Newborn reflexes are your baby’s involuntary muscle responses to stimulation. Certain actions or sensations produce specific muscle reactions. That means your baby isn’t controlling the responses. They’re happening automatically without your baby trying. Newborn reflexes are one of the normal newborn behaviors your baby should develop. Your newborn has limited control over their body, but they’re born with an innate set of skills to help them survive. Many of the normal reflexes of newborns are present before they’re born. The responses originate in your baby’s brainstem and are linked to early development. Your baby’s healthcare team uses newborn reflexes to assess your baby’s health. The presence and strength of your newborn’s reflexes are important signs of your baby’s nervous system development and function. What are the two oral reflexes found in newborn babies?The oral reflexes include rooting and sucking:
What are the 5 other newborn reflexes?Your newborn should develop several other reflexes as well. Moro reflexThe newborn startle reflex, or Moro reflex, is a protective response to a sudden movement or a loud noise. When your baby's head falls backward or an abrupt sound startles them, they should extend their arms and legs. Their arms should reach out with their palms facing up and their thumbs sticking out. Your baby may also cry loudly. When you support their head again, they should quickly bring their arms together and relax. The startle reflex can look like infantile spasms, but they’re different. Infantile spasms are a type of seizure. Tonic neck reflexThe tonic neck reflex, or fencing posture, should occur when your baby’s lying on their back. When you turn your baby's head to one side, their arm on that side should straighten with their hand partially open. Their opposite arm should bend and flex, with their fist tightly clenched. Another name for this position is the fencer's posture because it looks like a fencer's stance. Stepping reflexThe stepping reflex may help your newborn instinctively “crawl” to your breast immediately following delivery when they’re lying on your chest. Your baby may appear to take steps when their feet touch a flat surface. If you hold your baby upright and let their soles touch the surface, they should place one foot in front of the other in a "walking" motion. Babinski reflexThe Babinski reflex in your newborn is a reaction in their foot. When you stroke the bottom of your baby’s foot from their heel to their toes, their big toe should move upward. The rest of their toes should fan out. A neurologist named Joseph Babinski discovered this reflex in 1896. Another name for this reflex is the Babinski sign. Grasping reflexThere are two grasping reflexes — one in your baby’s hand and one in their foot:
When do newborn reflexes disappear?Most newborn reflexes go away within four to six months of age. As your baby’s brain matures, their central nervous system replaces the involuntary newborn reflexes with voluntary movements. The Moro and stepping reflexes should disappear by the age of 2 months, while the grasping and tonic neck reflexes may take a little longer. But all newborn reflexes should disappear by your baby’s first birthday. Do all newborn reflexes disappear?Some newborn reflexes disappear within weeks or months of birth. But some reflexes remain through adulthood. Reflexes that last to adulthood include:
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a hyperactive gag reflex in a newborn?The gag reflex helps prevent choking. When food, utensils, fingers or toys touch the back of your baby’s mouth, their gag reflex may be triggered. Gagging is common when your baby is starting to eat solid foods. Most babies will gag less as they wean and get used to eating solids. However, some babies are more sensitive to their gag reflex. They gag more easily and more often. Causes of a hyperactive gag reflex in newborns may include:
If your baby has a hypersensitive gag reflex, reach out to their pediatrician. They may refer you to a feeding specialist. How do I check the Moro reflex in my newborn?To check your baby’s Moro reflex, place your baby in a seated stance or lying face-up on a soft, padded surface. Gently lift your baby’s head and then quickly release it, allowing it to fall backward for a second, but quickly support it again. If your baby has a normal Moro reflex, they’ll have a startled look on their face. They’ll extend their arms sideways with their palms up and their thumbs flexed. Your baby may also cry. When you support your baby’s head again, they’ll bring their arms back into their body, flex their elbows and relax. Why might newborns possess an imitation reflex?In the past, researchers believed newborn babies could imitate adults with a so-called imitation reflex. However, newer studies have shown there’s no evidence to prove the imitation reflex exists. In the newborn stage, babies' movements and actions are random. Anything that may look like an imitation is just a reflexive response to the world around them. It’s not a deliberate imitation. A note from Cleveland Clinic Your baby is born with a natural set of reflexes that help them survive their first few weeks and months of life. Your baby’s pediatrician will test their reflexes to make sure they’re present and strong. As your baby gets older, they should drop some of these reflexes as they develop new skills and independence. However, keep in mind that every baby is different. When your baby develops and loses these reflexes is unique to them. Speak with your child’s provider if you have any concerns about your baby’s development. Share Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/14/2022. References
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At which age does the stepping reflex disappear in the infant?Newborn Reflexes. What are 7 most common reflexes the babies have?The seven most common types of newborn reflexes are as follows:. Moro Reflex. Babies usually exhibit a full Moro reflex which includes the arms, head and legs in their first 12 weeks after birth. ... . Rooting Reflex. ... . Sucking Reflex. ... . Tonic Neck Reflex. ... . Grasp Reflex. ... . Babinski Reflex. ... . Stepping Reflex.. What happens if stepping reflex does not integrate?It should integrate gradually as other systems mature and disappear by 3 1/2 years old. If retained, the TLR can lead to poor muscle tone, a tendency to walk on toes, motion sickness, and poor balance.
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