15 Newborn Reflexes

TONIC NECK REFLEX- When a baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on
that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow. This is often called the
"fencing" position. The tonic neck reflex lasts about 6 to 7 months.

ROOTING REFLEX-This reflex begins when the corner of the baby's mouth is PALMAR GRASP REFLEX-troking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close his
stroked or touched. The baby will turn his or her head and open his or her mouth to follow and or her fingers in a grasp. The grasp reflex lasts until about 5 to 6 months of age.
"root" in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to begin
feeding.

BABINSKI REFLEX-When the sole of the foot is firmly stroked, the big toe
bends back toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out. This is a normal reflex up to
SUCKING REFLEX- Rooting helps the baby become ready to suck. When the roof about 2 years of age.
of the baby's mouth is touched, the baby will begin to suck. This reflex does not begin until about
the 32nd week of pregnancy and is not fully developed until about 36 weeks. Premature babies
may have a weak or immature sucking ability because of this. Babies also have a hand-to-mouth
reflex that goes with rooting and sucking and may suck on fingers or hands.

STEP REFLEX- This reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a
baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with his or her feet touching a solid
surface.
MORO REFLEX-The Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex because it
usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to the sound, the
baby throws back his or her head, extends out the arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and
legs back in. A baby's own cry can startle him or her and trigger this reflex. This reflex lasts about
5 to 6 months.
 LIMB PLACEMENT REFLEX- When the front of the leg below the knee, or arm below the
elbow is brought into contact with edge of the table, the child lifts the limb over the edge.
GALLANT REFLEX- The neonates back is stimulated – their trunk and hips should move
toward the side of the stimulus. This reflex emerges 20 wks in utero and is inhibited by 9 months. This
turning of the torso aides in neonatal and toddler movement, such as crawling and walking.

DOLL’S EYE REFLEX- Though a complex mechanism, infants hold fixation of faces,
movements or changing intensity of light within their visual fields.  During the first week they are
able to maintain these fixations against passive movement of their bodies. When the infant’s head is
slowly turned, the infant’s head will remain stationary.
LANDAU REFLEX- When neonate is placed on stomach, their back arches
and head raises. Emerges at 3 months postnatally and lasts until the child is 12 months old.

PLANTAR GRASP REFLEX- a reflex characterized by the flexion of the toes when the sole
of the foot is stroked gently. It is present in infants at birth but should disappear after 6 weeks.

PARACHUTE REFLEX- Reflex It appears at about 6-9 months and persists thereafter.
This reflex is elicited by holding the child in ventro suspension and suddenly lowering him in the
couch. The arms extended as a defensive reaction. In children with cerebral palsy, the reflex may be
absent or abnormal. It would be asymmetrical in spastic hemipalgia.

TONIC LABYRINTH REFLEX-to elicit tilting the head back while lying on the back
causes the back to stiffen, form an arch and the legs to straighten. Be fully present from the time of
birth to 4 months old. It is active during the birthing process.
CRAWLING REFLEX- Newborn will attempt to crawl forward with both arms and legs
when placed on abdomen or flat surface.