Newborns are equipped with a number of reflexes (see Table 3.1) which are involuntary movements in response to stimulation. Some of the more common reflexes, such as the sucking reflex and rooting reflex, are important to feeding. The grasping and stepping reflexes are eventually replaced by more voluntary behaviors. Within the first few months of life these reflexes disappear, while other reflexes, such as the eye-blink, swallowing, sneezing, gagging, and withdrawal reflex stay with us as they continue to serve important functions. Reflexes offer pediatricians insight into the maturation and health of the nervous system. Reflexes that persist longer than they should can impede normal development (Berne, 2006). In preterm infants and those with neurological impairments, some of these reflexes may be absent at birth. Once present, they may persist longer than in a neurologically healthy infant (El-Dib, Massaro, Glass & Aly, 2012).
Table 3.1 Some Common Infant Reflexes
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Reflex |
Description |
Image |
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Sucking |
Suck on anything that touches the lips |
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Rooting |
Turning the head when the cheek is touched |
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Grasp |
Fingers automatically grip anything that touches the palm of the hand |
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Babinski |
The toes will fan out and curl when the sole of the foot is stroked from heel to toe |
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Moro |
A sudden noise or loss of support to the head and neck will cause infants to spread out their arms and legs then quickly contract the limbs inward |
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Tonic Neck |
When lying on the back with the head to one side infants will extend the arm and leg on that side while flexing the limbs on the opposite side (looks like a fencer pose). |
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Stepping |
Legs move in stepping like motion when feet touch a smooth surface |
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