Infant Reflexes

Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)

• What It Looks Like: When a baby is startled by a loud noise or sudden movement, they will throw their head back, extend their arms and legs, cry, then pull their arms and legs back in.

• Purpose: This reflex is a protective response to sudden changes in the environment, helping the baby react to potential threats.

• When It Disappears: The Moro reflex typically fades around 2-6 months of age.

Rooting Reflex

• What It Looks Like: When you stroke your baby's cheek or mouth, they will turn their head toward the stimulus and begin to make sucking motions.

• Purpose: This reflex helps the baby find the breast or bottle to begin feeding.

• When It Disappears: The rooting reflex usually disappears by 4-6 months of age.

Sucking Reflex

• What It Looks Like: When the roof of your baby's mouth is touched, they will start to suck.

• Purpose: This reflex is crucial for feeding and helps the baby coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing.

• When It Disappears: The sucking reflex begins to fade as the baby develops more voluntary control over feeding, typically around 4 months of age.

Palmar Grasp Reflex

• What It Looks Like: When you place a finger or object in your baby's palm, they will grasp it tightly.

• Purpose: This reflex may have evolutionary roots, helping infants cling to their caregivers.

• When It Disappears: The palmar grasp reflex usually fades by 5-6 months of age.

Plantar Grasp Reflex

• What It Looks Like: When you stroke the sole of your baby's foot, their toes will curl tightly.

• Purpose: Similar to the palmar grasp, this reflex may have evolutionary significance.

• When It Disappears: The plantar grasp reflex typically disappears by 9-12 months of age. 

Tonic Neck Reflex (Fencing Reflex)

• What It Looks Like: When your baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side will extend, and the opposite arm will bend at the elbow, resembling a fencer's stance.

• Purpose: This reflex helps develop hand-eye coordination and muscle tone.

• When It Disappears: The tonic neck reflex usually fades by 5-7 months of age.

Stepping Reflex

• What It Looks Like: When you hold your baby upright with their feet touching a solid surface, they will make stepping motions.

• Purpose: This reflex is a precursor to walking.

• When It Disappears: The stepping reflex typically disappears by 2 months of age but reappears as voluntary walking movements later in the first year.