Newborn Reflexes
Provided by Healthy Start, Grow Smart
Babies have special reflexes that last only a few months. It helps to know what
the reflexes are so you are not alarmed when they occur.
The following reflexes are normal for newborns:
- Moro or "startle" reflex: When your baby's head shifts position quickly or falls
backward, or when she is startled by something loud, your baby will react by throwing
out her arms and legs, extending her neck and quickly bringing her arms back together.
She may cry while doing this. The Moro reflex typically goes away after two months.
- Rooting reflex: This is how a baby hunts for her mother's breast. If you gently
stroke the side of your baby's cheek with your finger, she will turn her head toward
your finger. This reflex lasts three to four months.
- 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, saying, "The baby wants
to hold onto your finger." This reflex goes away at five to six months.
- Stepping reflex: If you hold a newborn baby upright by supporting under her arms
and placing her feet on a hard surface, her feet will make a stepping motion. This
occurs even though it’s a long time before a baby is ready to stand or walk. The
stepping reflex usually lasts a couple of months.
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions about your baby's particular
reflexes.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department
of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
