
Humans have reflexes, and whether you are an adult or an infant, you will experience some of these reflexes at various times. For example, if you tap the knee tendon while the calf is freely hanging down, the calf will involuntarily jump up—a response known as the patellar reflex, which is a normal physiological reaction.
Just like adults, newborns exhibit a range of unique innate reflexes that serve significant functions. These reflexes not only indicate how a newborn’s body responds to stimuli but also reflect the normal functioning of their nervous system. Some reflexes infants go through are normal in developmental stages, and the absence of certain reflexes may suggest issues with the newborn's brain or nervous system. Therefore, parents should learn to observe these reflexes in infants.
Here are seven common reflexes found in newborns:
Rooting ReflexSimilar to birds, a newborn will instinctively open its mouth wide and tilt its head toward a gentle touch on the side of its mouth, preparing for food. This reflex lasts until the infant is about 4 months old.
Palmar Groping ReflexIf you press your thumbs on both sides of your newborn's palms, the baby will open its mouth and lower its head forward, often closing its eyes. This reflex is present at birth and gradually diminishes around 6 weeks.
Sucking ReflexWhen the mother holds the newborn in her arms and the nipple touches the baby's cheek, the infant will immediately turn its head and open its mouth to suck.
Moro ReflexWhen startled by a sudden noise or touch, a newborn will stretch out its fingers and arms, sometimes crying. This startle reflex usually disappears around 2 months, similar to the stress reactions adults exhibit when startled.
Grasping ReflexKnown as the "Darwinian reflex," this occurs when you place your fingers in the baby's palm; the infant will grasp them tightly. This reflex generally fades by 2 months. An overly strong grasp may indicate a bilateral brain issue, while a weakening or disappearance of the reflex could suggest that the newborn’s central nervous system is inhibited.
Cervical Tonic ReflexAlso referred to as the "fencing reflex," this occurs when a baby, lying quietly, turns its head to one side. The arm on the same side extends, while the opposite arm and leg bend upwards, mimicking a fencing stance. This reflex is subtle and typically lasts until the baby is around 5 to 7 months old.
Babinski ReflexThis reflex, often unnoticed by many parents, occurs when the soles of the baby's feet are stroked. The big toe bends upward while the other toes spread out, and it lasts for about 12 to 24 months.
While these reflexes are characteristic of newborns, they typically fade as the central nervous system matures. If these reflexes persist beyond 3 or 4 months, it may indicate potential brain issues.
Understanding these reflexes is crucial for parents, as they can indicate the overall health and neurological development of your newborn.
References:
Stanfordchildrens, Newborn Reflexes
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=newborn-reflexes-90-P02630
Clevelandclinic, (June 14, 2022), Newborn Reflexes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23265-newborn-reflexes