Babies are born with certain reflexes. They respond naturally to
stimuli like light or touch in certain ways - if you put your
finger in your newborn's hand, for example, the baby probably
will automatically take hold of it. If you lightly touch around the
baby's mouth, he or she will likely make a sucking motion.
A Newborn's Reflexes
Babies typically display rooting, sucking, startle, grasp, and
tonic neck reflexes soon after birth. These movements are a normal
part of the development process, and they gradually disappear as
babies mature, usually by the time they are 3 to 6 months old.
The rooting and sucking reflexes help a a newborn get
nourishment. Rooting prompts an infant to automatically turn in the
direction of a food source, whether that's a breast or a
bottle. You may be able to evoke this response if you gently stroke
your newborn's cheek near the mouth with your hand. Your infant
will turn in that direction, mouth open, ready to suck. When an
object, such as a breast or a bottle nipple, is placed in the
baby's mouth, the baby will reflexively begin to suck.
A baby is also born with a startle response called the Moro
reflex. An infant who is startled (for example, by a loud noise) or
abruptly moved may respond by throwing out his or her arms and legs
and curling them in again.
Your baby may also show a grasp reflex by taking hold of your
finger when you place it in his or her palm. If you touch the sole
of your newborn's foot, it will flex and the toes will
curl.
A baby will also likely show the tonic neck reflex, or
fencer's pose. This is when a newborn's head is turned to
one side and the infant automatically straightens the arm on that
side of the body while bending the opposite arm.
Encouraging Your Baby's Movements
As your baby grows and gains more control over movements, these
reflexes will become less noticeable, less jerky, and more
purposeful.
Give your infant enough space to stretch and move the arms and
legs, as these movements can help strengthen and tone muscles.
It's also important to give your newborn a chance to turn
and lift the head. When you do this, make sure to support the head
and neck while holding your baby.
Also, never leave your little one unattended, especially on
high surfaces such as a changing table or bed. Even newborns can
unexpectedly roll or scoot over to the edge.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Your baby's doctor will check these reflexes as part of your
baby's routine physical examinations, making sure they're
present and the same on both sides, and taking note of when they
disappear.
Be sure to discuss any concerns about your baby's movements
with your doctor.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: August 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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