The Newborn Reflexes
Babies are born with key instincts pre-loaded for immediate use from birth. These reflexes are checked and assessed as part of the APGAR score recorded immediately after birth and a short while later as an indicator of typical development and well-being. These involuntary movements are not controlled but occur in response to stimulation.
The Rooting Reflex
When a newborn baby feels gentle touch on their face, especially around their cheeks and mouth, they will open their mouth widely and turn towards the source of touch. This rooting reflex is important in learning to find and attach to the breast and generally disappears by around four months. It helps to understand how you can work with - and against - this natural behaviour when helping your baby establish breastfeeding.
The Suck Reflex
The Rooting Reflex readies the baby to attach to the breast. The Suck reflex keeps them attached. When the roof of the mouth feels touch, they will respond by sucking. This reflex doesn’t develop until around 32 weeks gestation and is not fully developed until 36 weeks. Babies practice the skill of sucking in the womb and premature babies may have immature or weak sucking. Health practitioners may assess a baby’s suck reflex with a gloved finger.
The Hand-Mouth Reflex goes alongside the Sucking Reflex. When the hand comes to the mouth, a baby will automatically suck on it when a thumb, finger or other part manages to touch the mouth roof and trigger sucking. Some babies continue to do this intentionally for comfort. Whilst hand sucking is a feeding cue, it is not always a sign of hunger.
The Moro Reflex
Also known as the Startle Reflex, babies react to sudden sounds or movements. They may throw their head back, arms out and cry. This reflex generally disappears around two months after birth.
The Grasp Reflex
Present in both the palm (Palmar Reflex) of the hand and sole of the foot (Plantar Reflex), these are primitive throwbacks to the time when human infants clung to their mother in the same way as other primates. The automatic grasp disappears around 5-6 months, when the baby is ready to intentionally pickup and hold food. The foot reflex disappears around 9-12 months, as babies move toward standing upright and walking.
The Stepping Reflex
Also known as the walking reflex, from birth babies will appear to take steps when held upright. This reflex can also be seen when a baby lies on their tummy and may be part of the movement we know as the Breast Crawl.
