When you first hold your newborn baby in your arms, you may notice that he/she makes a multitude of amazing, automatic movements: firmly squeezes your finger, amusingly "marches" across a surface, startles at a loud sound. These are not conscious actions, but manifestations of innate (or unconditional) reflexes. These reflexes are inherited from our distant ancestors, and their main purpose is to help the child survive and adapt to the new world in the first weeks and months of life. For a pediatrician, checking these reflexes is one of the most important tools for assessing the health and maturity of the child's central nervous system (CNS). Understanding what these "superpowers" of the infant mean will help you better understand the development of your baby.
What are innate reflexes?
Innate reflexes are automatic, stereotyped reactions of the body to certain stimuli that are controlled by the brainstem and spinal cord, not by the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for conscious movements. Their presence, symmetry, and timely fading indicate that the child's nervous system is developing properly. Gradually, as the brain matures, these automatic reactions are replaced by conscious, voluntary movements.
Most important newborn reflexes
During routine examinations, your pediatrician will definitely check a full set of reflexes. Here are the most important ones that you can also observe at home.
Feeding-related reflexes:
- Sucking reflex: The most important for survival. If you place a nipple, finger, or pacifier in the infant's mouth, they will begin making rhythmic sucking movements. This reflex is mature already at birth.
- Rooting (Kussmaul reflex): If you gently touch the corner of the infant's mouth, they will turn their head toward the stimulus and open their mouth in search of the breast. It disappears by 3–4 months.
- Snout reflex: With a light touch to the infant's lips, they protrude them like a "snout". It disappears by 2–3 months.
Protective and orienting reflexes:
- Moro reflex (embrace reflex): This is a reaction to a sudden stimulus (loud sound, abrupt movement). The baby first throws the arms out to the sides, opening the palms, and then brings them together as if trying to embrace something. This is one of the most important reflexes indicating CNS health. It should be symmetrical. It begins to fade from 3–4 months.
- Grasp reflex (Robinson): When the infant's palm is touched, they firmly squeeze your finger. This reflex is so strong that sometimes the baby can even be lifted slightly. A similar reflex exists on the soles of the feet. It disappears by 3–4 months, giving way to purposeful grasping.
Support and automatic walking reflexes:
- Support reflex: If you hold the baby under the armpits and place them on a firm surface, they will straighten their legs and press their feet firmly against the ground.
- Automatic walking reflex: If, while holding the baby in a vertical position, you tilt them slightly forward, they will begin making "stepping" movements. This does not mean they will walk soon — it is merely an automatism that disappears by 2 months.
Other important reflexes:
- Crawling reflex (Bauer): If you place the baby on their stomach and support the palm under their feet, they will try to push off, imitating crawling. It disappears by 3–4 months.
- Protective reflex: If you place a newborn on their stomach, they will immediately turn their head to the side to be able to breathe.
What does "fading" of reflexes mean?
Timely fading of unconditional reflexes is no less important an indicator than their presence. It indicates that the cerebral cortex is maturing and taking over control of movements, which become conscious and directed. For example, the automatic grasp reflex is replaced by a purposeful desire to take a toy.
When should you see a doctor?
During each examination the pediatrician assesses reflexes. You should consult a doctor outside of scheduled visits if you notice:
- Weakness or absence of any of the primary reflexes (especially sucking or Moro).
- Asymmetrical reaction (for example, in the Moro reflex the baby throws only one arm).
- If reflexes do not fade after the specified ages (for example, a 6‑month‑old child still reflexively squeezes a finger instead of trying to grasp a toy consciously).
Observing innate reflexes is a fascinating opportunity to see how wise nature is. These are your child's first movements that lay the foundation for all future physical and intellectual achievements. Read about other aspects of development in our articles on sensory development and key changes of the first month.
