7 Reflexes that are usually owned by newborns

Reflex is a movement that is involuntary, aka involuntary. This condition can also occur in babies from birth. Usually in the form of movements that are spontaneous and occur in the baby's daily activities. There is no need to worry because this is normal. Check out what are the types of reflexes in newborns that parents need to know below!

What are reflexes in babies?

Did you notice the movements the baby made? As it turns out, most of the activity or movement you see in the first few weeks is a reflex from a newborn.

This sudden movement in this baby indicates activity in the area of the nerves and brain. Over time, this condition becomes one of the processes of the baby's cognitive development.

Quoted from Stanford Chidren's Health, some reflex movements can only be seen at certain times.

In fact, there is the possibility that it will disappear on its own when it reaches a certain age according to the development of the baby.

This condition is indeed a response to a given stimulus. For example, when you put your finger in your mouth, it will suddenly make a sucking motion.

Another thing, when there is a bright light he will close his eyes tightly.

What reflexes do newborns have?

Reflex in babies is an act that is not intentional. Therefore, these movements become part of the baby's activities.

Here are some types of reflexes that often occur in newborns:

1. Rooting reflex

This sudden movement occurs when you touch the skin around the baby's cheek and mouth.

The baby will follow the direction of the touch while opening his mouth. He will also try to reach his fingers to be licked by moving his head.

These reflexes in newborns are not meaningless movements. This is a transition in order to adapt and survive in a new environment.

Rooting reflex it also allows the baby to find the breast or the bottle so that you can breastfeed.

By the age of 4 months, these sudden movements will disappear as the baby is able to get a nipple or bottle teat without finding it any more.

2.Sucking reflex

This is a type of reflex that occurs after rooting reflex because it helps babies suck on nipples or pacifiers to get breast milk or milk.

Although they are different, the purpose of these two reflexes is the same, which is to help the baby to get food. When the top or roof of the baby's mouth is touched, the baby will begin to suck.

The sucking reflex begins at 32 weeks of gestation and becomes complete at 36 weeks of gestation. Therefore, premature babyusually can't suck well.

Not only from parents' fingers, babies can also make sudden movements by sucking on their own fingers or hands.

3. Moro reflex

Moro reflex or it can also be referred to as the shock reflex. This condition occurs when a baby is shocked because a sudden sound or movement is also quite loud.

This reflex in newborns makes him bow his head, stretch his arms and legs, cry, then bend his arms and legs back.

Usually, the Moro reflex will be visible until the baby is 2 months old.

4. Asymmetric tonic neck reflex

When your baby's head turns to one side, he will extend the arms on that same side. On the other hand, the arm on the opposite side will be bent.

This neck reflex tonic looks like a person practicing fencing. This movement is important for maintaining the stability of posture and training eye movements towards the point of view.

Usually, this type of reflex lasts from 5 months to 7 months of newborns.

5. The grasp reflex (palmar grasp reflex)

The baby's hands will remain closed during the first month. Also known as grasp reflex, the baby will close his fingers in a grasping motion.

Grasping reflex in newborns it appears when you touch the palm of his hand. For example, when you tickle or put something in the palm of your hand.

This sudden movement appears from birth and can last up to 5 or 6 months of age. There is a chance that you may see something similar in the foot area when the baby is 9 months old.

6. Babinski reflex

Babinski reflex is a type of movement that is normal in babies. This happens when the soles of the feet are touched with a strong enough pressure.

The effect is that the baby's thumb will point upwards and the other toes will spread out. This sudden movement is likely to disappear by 1 to 2 years of age.

7. Stepping reflex

This reflex is also known by the termwalking / dance reflex. This is because the baby appears to be stepping or dancing when he is positioned in an upright position with his feet touching the ground.

These sudden movements occur in newborns and are most evident after 4 days of age. Usually, these sudden movements are no longer seen when the baby is 2 months old.