What is the Moro reflex?

You may have noticed that your baby jumps or reacts violently when you try to put him to bed. This is the Moro reflex, one of the many normal reflexes that healthy babies are born with. It's also one of the things your baby's doctor checks right after birth and during doctor visits.

What does it mean?

Reflexes are involuntary actions that your body performs automatically without you having to think about them. There are many types of reflexes and most of us are born with them. Newborns are born with several important reflexes called primitive reflexes. They are essential for their development. Some of them are reactions to actions while others are spontaneous movements.

When your baby's head position suddenly changes or his head leans back, he pushes his arms away from his body and stretches his neck. They also open their fingers. Then they quickly bring their hands together, bend their elbows, and then release their hands. Their fingers can also bend. Your baby may have a surprised expression and may also cry. This reaction also occurs when your child is startled by a sudden movement, bright light, or loud sound.

This is the Moro reflex. It was first described by Ernst Moreau in 1918. It can be seen as early as 25 weeks after conception and is present as early as 30 weeks after conception.

It disappears between two and six months of age, when your baby can support his head. As your child's brain matures and he has better control over his movements, these reflexes are no longer needed.

Other common reflexes in newborns include:

Rooting reflex. When you touch or caress the cheek or corner of your newborn's lip, he automatically turns his head to that side and opens his mouth. This directional reflex helps them find a nipple to breastfeed.
Sucking reflex. When something is placed in your baby's mouth and touches the palate, he begins to suck. This reflex is not fully developed until about 36 weeks.

How is the Moro reflex tested?

Your health care provider will run several tests to check your child's development as part of their regular checkups. Reflexes are tested to ensure that the nervous system and brain are developing well.

One such test is the Moro reflex. Your baby will be placed face up on a soft, padded surface or held in the doctor's arms. The doctor will lift the baby's head slightly off the body and gently lower it into the doctor's hand. This will make your child feel like he is falling and his arms will stretch out and then quickly come down, which is part of the Moro reflex.

Some doctors may gently pull on the baby's arms and let go. It also creates the sensation of falling and triggers the Moro reflex.

What to do if your child has a Moro reflex

Parents may be concerned when they first see the Moro reflex appear. This is a normal reflex in babies. Nothing should be done when your child is scared. Some babies may even stop crying on their own. Other children may need comfort and reassurance, such as holding them in your arms or talking to them quietly.

The Moro reflex may kick in when you are trying to put your baby to sleep. For example, when you bend over to put your baby to sleep in his crib, he winces with the sensation of falling. At other times, they may sleep soundly and wake up startled, sometimes even from their own movements.

Try these tips if your baby's reflexes are preventing him from sleeping soundly:

Lower horizontally. Try to lower the baby horizontally into the crib so as not to throw his head back.
Keep your child close to you. Hold your baby as close to your body as you put him down. Release them only when their body touches the mattress.
Swaddle. To help your baby sleep better, you can try swaddling. Wrapping your baby in a swaddle will protect his arms from jumping up and throwing his arms off his body. This can soothe your child and help them sleep better.

Because it reduces the Moro reflex, swaddled babies are less likely to wake up on their own. This, however, increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Therefore, it is important that swaddled babies are placed on their backs. Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs that he is trying to roll over. This usually happens around two months of age.

When to call your doctor

Don't worry if your child doesn't jump at loud noises or bright lights. But if the child does not have a Moro reflex, it may be due to a medical problem. These include birth trauma, brain problems, or general muscle weakness.

The Moro reflex, which occurs on only one side of the body, can be caused by an injury, such as nerve or spinal cord injury, or a broken collarbone.

If your baby's Moro reflex doesn't go away after six months, it could be a sign of other problems, such as delayed motor skills or cerebral palsy.