Reflexes Of The Newborn

Front 1

Sucking reflex

Back 1

Occurs when lips are touched; lats all through infancy.

Front 2

Rooting reflex

Back 2

Infant turns his head to the side when the cheek on that side is touched; disappears at about 4 months.

Front 3

Moro Reflex

Back 3

Sudden jarring of the crib, a loud noise or a quick change of postion causes the infant to extend both arms and legs outward with the fingers spread, then suddenly pulls all limbs back, often crying at the same time. Often used to assess the maturity of CNS. Usually disappears after 4 months.

Front 4

Palmar grasp reflex

Back 4

Fingers curl around any small object placed against the infants palm. Usually disappears after 4 months.

Front 5

Plantar reflex

Back 5

Similar to palmar grasp, toes will curl around any small object placed just beneath them. Usually disappears after 8 months.

Front 6

Tonic neck reflex or fencing reflex

Back 6

Postural; when infant is lying on his/her back and turns his/her head to the side, arm and leg on opposite side of the body will flex. Usually disappears after 4 months.

Front 7

Stepping ( walking or dancing) reflex

Back 7

When the infant is held upright and his feet are allowed to touch a flat surface, the legs move up and down as if the baby were walking. Dissappears after 2 months

Front 8

Babinski Reflex

Back 8

The newborn has a positive Babinski. When sole of foot is stroked, big toe rises and other toes fan out. After age 1, infant will have negative Babinski,i.e, toes will curl downward.

Front 9

Discuss motor development of the newborn

Back 9

Most body movment is initially uncoordinated, but gradually, at about 1 month of age the infant can lift his head and turn it when prone. At about 6 months he can sit w/o support. At 9 months he can reach for an object, grasp it and transfer it from hand to hand. At 12 months he can turn the pages of a book and he attempts to put objects into a container.