Babies have special reflexes that last only a few months.

Much of the movement is guided by a series of ‘reflexes’ or automatic nervous system reactions that are the sole property of new babies. Although most of these reflexes disappear after the first few months of life, they are nevertheless powerful indicators of a thriving and soon to be self-reliant individual.

Here is a list of the most common newborn reflexes. They are also indicators of the symmetry, purposeful capability, and intact function of the new baby’s nervous system. Their presence is a marker of good health. The following reflexes are normal for newborn babies:

• Moro or ‘startle’ reflex. This occurs when your baby’s head is moved quickly, when her head falls backward, or when she is startled by something. She will react by throwing out her arms and legs and extending her neck. Your baby will then quickly bring her arms and legs back in. She may cry when doing this. This reflex tends to disappear at around five to six months.
• Rooting reflex. This is how your baby hunts for her mother’s breast. If you gently stroke the side of her cheek with your finger, she will turn her head and open her mouth to follow the direction of the stroking. This will disappear after three to four months.
• Suck reflex. When the roof of the baby’s mouth is touched, the baby will begin to suck. This reflex is not fully developed until about the 36th week of pregnancy. Premature babies may have a weak sucking ability because of this. A newborn has a hand-to-mouth reflex that gives her the ability to practice sucking and to self-soothe.
• Grasp reflex. Your baby will clench her fist around anything pressed into the palm of her hand. You can show this to a big brother or sister. Say, ‘The baby wants to hold on to your finger.’ This reflex goes away after a couple of months.
• Stepping reflex. If you hold a newborn baby upright under her arms with her feet on a hard surface, her feet will make a stepping action. This happens even though it is a long time before she is ready to stand or walk. This reflex will usually disappear after a couple of months.
• Babinski’s reflex. When the sole of the foot is firmly stroked, the big toe bends back and the other toes fan out. This disappears after two years of age.
• Tonic neck reflex. When the baby’s head is turned to one side, while lying on her back, she extends her arm on the side to which the head is turned and bends the other arm. This is often called the ‘fencing’ position. The tonic neck reflex disappears after six to seven months.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your baby’s reflexes.
By Dr. Olson Huff

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