Babies respond naturally to stimuli like light touch to the check or stroking the soles of their feet. These reflexes are a normal part of the development process. We believe reflexes helped babies to cling to their mothers and helped the baby turn towards and find food. These reflexes gradually disappear by the time babies are 3 to 6 months old. Here are a few reflexes to observe in your newborn baby.
Rooting Reflex
Gently stroke the cheek of the baby and the baby will turn towards that side. This is the rooting and sucking reflexes. Rooting prompts the baby to automatically turn towards the check which was touched and hopefully the food source.
Palmar Grasp
Touch the palm of a baby with your fingers or any object and she or he will grasp your fingers tightly. Thus is thought to have helped babies grasp or cling onto their Moms.
Babinski Reflex
When you stroke the soles of your baby’s feet the toes will flare out and the foot turn inwards. this too should disappear as your babies ages.
Stepping Reflex
Hold your baby up and have his or her feet touch the ground. You can make the baby imitate walking. Of course your new born or very young baby cannot hold up his or her weight but you can fool others who don’t have kids that your baby is so advances she or he is ready to walk! This reflex will soon disappear.
Moro Reflex
Babies are born with a startle response that disappear soon after birth. This reflex looks like the baby is being startled. Your baby will extend her arms and legs out as if to grasp for something and arch her back. then her hands will clench into a fist and pull her arms close to her chest. Sometimes babies will also cry.
Rooting Reflex
Gently stroke the cheek of the baby and the baby will turn towards that side. This is the rooting and sucking reflexes. Rooting prompts the baby to automatically turn towards the check which was touched and hopefully the food source.
Palmar Grasp
Touch the palm of a baby with your fingers or any object and she or he will grasp your fingers tightly. Thus is thought to have helped babies grasp or cling onto their Moms.
Babinski Reflex
When you stroke the soles of your baby’s feet the toes will flare out and the foot turn inwards. this too should disappear as your babies ages.
Stepping Reflex
Hold your baby up and have his or her feet touch the ground. You can make the baby imitate walking. Of course your new born or very young baby cannot hold up his or her weight but you can fool others who don’t have kids that your baby is so advances she or he is ready to walk! This reflex will soon disappear.
Moro Reflex
Babies are born with a startle response that disappear soon after birth. This reflex looks like the baby is being startled. Your baby will extend her arms and legs out as if to grasp for something and arch her back. then her hands will clench into a fist and pull her arms close to her chest. Sometimes babies will also cry.
RSS Feed
