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From birth, all normal, healthy newborns exhibit reflexes. A reflex is defined as an automatic response to an outside stimulus. A yawn, grasp, suck, etc. are all examples of the many reflexes with which your baby is born.
What many parents fail to realize is that reflexes are needed for survival. They offer a protection, if you will. There are seven in all and each one ensures a different need for survival. Most reflexes generally disappear before the 3rd and 4th months, but can last as long as a year.
Rooting Reflex
Rooting is also called the "search reflex". If you brush your baby's cheek lightly with your finger or any soft object, the baby's reflex will be to turn toward the object, open it's mouth and attempt to suck. This reflex ensures the baby can find and get food.
Darwinian Reflex
Darwinian is also known as the "grasping reflex". Stroking or touching the palm of your baby's hand will automatically make him or her clench his or her fist. This reflex is kind of an insurance against falling. Enables a baby to grasp on to the mother.
Babinski's Reflex
View the Babinski's reflex by stroking the sole of your baby's foot from heel to toe. The toes will fan out and the foot turns inward. This is another reflex to insure against falling.
Moro Reflex
The Moro reflex is also known as the "startle reflex". For most parents this is the most noticeable reflex their newborn exhibits. The stimulus is a sharp, loud noise or a sudden loss of support for the baby. The baby will fling his or her arms out and then quickly draw them back towards the chest and then cry. This reflex is for an attempt to avoid a fall and to grasp on to something.
Walking Reflex
This reflex is present at birth, disappears and then reappears when the child is ready to learn to walk later on. Hold the baby under the arms, upright with feet touching a flat surface. The baby will make stepping movements.
Tonic Neck Reflex
To achieve this reflex movement, lay your baby flat on his or her back. The head should turn to one side with one arm and leg extended in the direction the baby's head is turned and the opposite arm and leg are in a flexed position. There really isn't any known survival benefit for this reflex.
Withdrawal Reflex
This reflex is in an attempt to avoid pain. Babies receive a whole slew of tests as newborns and, if you will notice when the heel of the foot is pricked for a blood test, the leg and foot will jerk backwards and the opposite leg and foot push forward.
Babies are incredibly resilient and smart. So, remember, when you are noticing that yawn, or your baby is grasping your finger it is all in the name of survival.
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