REFLEXES IN INFANCY

Reflexes are a newborns first movements. These movements are non-voluntary that is, the baby has no control over them. Reflexes are important because they are a good indicator of a newborn’s health. These reflexes only last a short time; they are soon replaced by motor skills

MOTOR SKILLS Motor skill refers to movement. Motor skills are abilities that depend upon the use and control of muscles. A newborn has little control over his body. He must develop strength, endurance, coordination and balance.

These skills develop with time and practice. One of the first motor skills infants must acquire is control of the head. At birth, the head is large and heavy; and the neck muscles are weak.

Newborns progress from lifting their head slightly to lifting both head and chest. By three months they can hold their head steady when in a seated position. Motor skills continue to develop in a predictable pattern. Charts have been developed which illustrate normal development.

Small (FINE) Motor Skills: small number of muscles to make small movement

Large (GROSS)Motor Skills: many muscles used to make large movements

SUCKING REFLEX When a nipple or finger is inserted into the infant’s mouth, rhythmic sucking occurs DURATION: Changes to voluntary sucking by 2 months

ROOTING REFLEX When a newborns cheek is stroked, the newborn turns his head and opens his mouth to search for the object DURATION: Disappears at about 4 months

PALMER GRASP REFLEX When pressure is applied to an infant’s palms, the fingers curl in a strong enough grasp to support the infant’s own weight DURATION: Weakens after 3rd month and disappears by one year

MORO REFLEX A loud noise or jolt causes infants to extend their arms and then bring them back towards the body in a grasping action. Also called the STARTLE REFLEX DURATION: Disappears at around 5 months

BABINSKI REFLEX When the side of an infant’s foot is stroked from the heel toward the toes, the toes fan out and the foot twists inward DURATION: Disappears at around 9 months

TONIC NECK REFLEX Infants placed on their back tend to turn their head to one side and extend the arm and leg on that side while flexing the limbs on the other side – resembling a fencing position DURATION: Disappears around 4 months

STEPPING REFLEX Infants who are held above a surface will make stepping movements like walking DURATION: Disappears around 3 months

RIGHTING REFLEX Newborns who are held upright try to keep their head up and eyes open. Also called the CHINA DOLL REFLEX DURATION: Disappears around 3 months

SWIMMING REFLEX Newborns who are placed in water make swimming motions DURATION: Disappears within first few months