Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that babies are born with, controlled by the brainstem, such as rooting, sucking, grasping and the Moro (startle) reflex. Most fade during the first year as the brain matures and voluntary movements take over.
Common newborn reflexes
Doctors check these reflexes during newborn and infant examinations:
| Reflex | What happens |
|---|---|
| Rooting | Baby turns towards a touch on the cheek and opens the mouth |
| Sucking | Baby sucks when something touches the roof of the mouth |
| Palmar grasp | Fingers close around an object placed in the palm |
| Moro (startle) | Arms fling out and pull back in after a loud sound or sense of falling |
| Tonic neck | When the head turns to one side, that arm stretches out and the other bends |
| Stepping | Baby makes stepping movements when held upright with feet on a surface |
| Babinski | Big toe lifts and other toes fan out when the sole is stroked |
When to talk to your doctor
Your doctor checks reflexes at routine visits; mention it if a reflex seems missing, different on each side, or persists much longer than expected.
