Types of reflexes in newborns
We all have reflexes. They are a type of involuntary movement or action
that occurs in response to a stimulus.
When you go to the doctor and he hits you on the knee with a light
hammer, your leg automatically twists outward in response. This is a reflex.
Some reflexes are unique to newborns, depending on their stage of
development. But the absence of certain reflexes can sometimes signal problems
with the child's brain or nervous system.
Root reflex. This reflex of the
newborn is evoked by touching the corner of the baby's mouth. Your baby will
turn their head towards the touch. With their mouths open, they will
"root" in that direction. This rooting makes feeding easier as it
helps the baby find a bottle or breast from which to feed. This reflex lasts
about 4 months.
Sucking reflex. The rooting reflex
creates the basis for the sucking reflex, which allows the baby to suckle
safely at the breast. When the nipple touches the baby's palate, it
automatically starts sucking. The sucking reflex helps coordinate the rhythms
of sucking, breathing, and swallowing. This reflex increases as the child does
this and develops into habits such as thumb sucking for comfort.
The sucking reflex develops even before the baby is born. It starts
around the 32nd week of pregnancy and is fully developed around the 36th week.
Moro reflex. The Moro reflex,
also called the startle reflex, is a child's response when they are startled.
The cause is often a loud sound, sudden movement, or even your own scream. As
an adult, you may jump up and down and blink when something unexpected happens.
When the Moro reflex is triggered, the baby throws back his head, spreads his
arms and legs, cries, quickly tightens his limbs. This reflex lasts only the
first 2 months.
Tonic neck reflex. The tonic neck
reflex is sometimes called the swordsman's stance because the child holds the
arms in the same position as if they were fencing. The tonic neck reflex occurs
when the child turns his head to one side with his arms outstretched. If their
head is turned to the right, the right arm is extended and the left is bent at
the elbow.
This reflex can be difficult to notice. Movements can often be
imperceptible. Your baby may not do this at all if he fusses or cries. This reflex
persists until the age of 5-7 months.
Grasp reflex. You've probably
noticed this reflex when you put your finger on a child's hand and he grabs it.
The grasp reflex occurs when the palm is lightly touched. The sensation causes
the child to close his fingers. This reflex persists until the age of about 6
months.
Babinsky's reflex. This reflex is
similar to the grasping reflex. When you stroke the bottom of a child's foot,
the big toe curls inward while the other toes fan out and move away. This reflex
disappears between the ages of 12 months and 2 years.
Stepping reflex. You probably flinch
a little when you hold your baby upright on the floor while he tries to walk.
It's just a walking reflex at work. It is also called the walking or dancing
reflex. You need to be wary of this reflex as your newborn is still unable to
support its own weight. Helping them to stand up by holding them under the arm
will trigger the walking reflex. They will start to move forward as if walking.
The reflex will disappear after the first 2 months and will reappear
after the first year when the child begins to learn to walk.
The importance of reflex symmetry
Because neck tone, grip, Moro, Babinski, and stepping reflexes engage
each half of the body, it is important to know that they are symmetrical. If
the reflexes are not equally strong or fast on both sides of the body, it could
be a problem with the child's central nervous system. Talk to your doctor if
you notice a lack of symmetry in your child's reflexes.