Newborn's Reflexes

Mother nature pulls out all the stops when it comes to newborn babies, providing them with a set of inborn reflexes designed to protect these especially vulnerable creatures and ensure their care. Some of these primitive behaviours are spontaneous, while others are responses to certain actions.

Startle, or Moro, reflex.

When startled by a sudden or loud noise, or a feeling of falling, the Moro reflex will cause the baby to extend the legs, arms and fingers, arch the back, draw the head back, then draw the arms back, fists clenched, into the chest.

Duration: Four to six months.

Babinski's, or plantar, reflex.

When the sole of a baby's foot is gently stroked from the heel to toe, the baby's toes flare upwards and the foot turns in.

Duration: Between six months and two years, after which toes curl downwards.

Rooting reflex.

A Newborn whose cheek is gently stroked will turn in the direction of the stimulus, mouth open and ready to suckle. This reflex helps the baby locate the breast or bottle and secure a meal.

Duration: About three to four months, though it may persist when baby is sleeping.

Walking, or stepping, reflex.

Held upright on a table or other flat surface, supported under the arms, a newborn may lift one leg and then the other, taking what seem to be 'steps'. This 'practice walking' reflex works best after the fourth day of life.

Duration: Variable, but typically about two months.

Sucking reflex.

A newborn will reflexively suck when the roof of his or her mouth is touched, such as when a nipple is placed in the mouth.

Duration: Present at birth and lasts until two to four months, when voluntary sucking takes over.

Palmar grasping reflex.

Touch the palm of your baby's hand and his or her fingers will curl around and cling to your finger. An interesting bit of baby trivia: newborns grasp may be powerful enough to support full body weight - but don't try this at home or anywhere. Some more trivia: This reflex curls babies' feet and toes, too, when they're touched.

Duration: Three to six months.

Tonic neck, or fencing, reflex.

Placed on the back, a young baby will assume a 'fencing position' , head one side, with arms and legs on that side extended and the opposite limbs flexed. En grade!

Duration: Varies a lot. it may be present at birth or may not appear for at least two months, and disappear at about four to six months - or sooner, or later.