Identify And Explain The Importance Of Reflexes In Neonates

Neonates have innate reflexes that are observed and present after birth. Four of these reflexes include the following: Moro reflex, Rooting reflex, Babinski reflex, and the Stepping reflex. The Moro reflex is also known as the startle reflex. When the baby’s position or head support is suddenly changed, a baby should demonstrate arching of the back, followed by the arms and legs quickly being flung out then brought back centrally. The Moro reflex can also be elicited when the baby hears a loud sound, bumping the baby’s crib, or jerking the baby’s blanket that may suddenly startle the baby. The rooting reflex is elicited when the baby’s cheek is stroked and the baby turns his/her head and mouth towards the side which was stroked. This reflex …show more content…
Ultimately, the stepping reflex is observed when the infant is held above a flat surface and beings advancing his/her feet once the feet make contact with the surface. Although these infants are far too young to be able to independently walk, the stepping reflex mimics walking but in a tiptoe manner as compared to the normal heel to toe manner. Nearly all reflexes prepare the child by having survival values and some reflexes reflect features related to the evolution of our nervous system. The Moro reflex’s survival value was discussed in the text in terms of evolutionary purposes, suggesting that the Moro reflex might have improved survival of infants by enabling them to hold onto their parents that were climbing trees. The rooting reflex prepares the child to survive the post-birth world by preparing for feeding to receive nutrition to grow. Eventually, this reflex will turn into voluntary sucking or the child’s own ability to nourish his/her body. The text does not indicate the survival value of the Babinski reflex. Instead, the presence of the reflex in and of itself indicates proper neural