NEONATAL REFLEXES
Neonatal Reflexes
Newborn babies have a large number of primitive reflexes which are brain-
stem mediated automatic responses.
These reflexes are useful for clinical purposes.
One should observe whether the response is sluggish, normal,
exaggerated and symmetric or asymmetric.
Types of new born reflexes:
1. Moro Reflex or Startle Reflex
2. Glabellar Tap
3. Rooting and Sucking Reflex
4. Tonic neck Reflex
5. Palmar Reflex
6. Plantar Reflex
7. Stepping Reflex
I. Moro Reflex
Babies usually exhibit a full Moro reflex which includes the arms, head and legs in
their first 12 weeks after birth. Also called the startle reflex, the Moro reflex usually
occurs when a baby gets startled by a loud sound, sudden movement or intense
light. As a response to the trigger, the baby suddenly lifts the arms and legs, curl
them back toward the body and then throw the head back. Your baby's own cry
may also startle him/her and trigger the Moro reflex.
Some babies experience an abnormal Moro reflex which only involves one side of
the body. Other babies may have no Moro reflex at all. Some causes of an
abnormal or absent Moro reflex may include infections, muscle weakness, injuries
from childbirth, peripheral nerve damage and spastic cerebral palsy.
When Does the Startle Reflex Go Away?
The Moro or startle reflex usually lasts until the baby is about five to six months
old.
II. Rooting Reflex
Neonatal Reflexes
Newborn babies have a large number of primitive reflexes which are brain-
stem mediated automatic responses.
These reflexes are useful for clinical purposes.
One should observe whether the response is sluggish, normal,
exaggerated and symmetric or asymmetric.
Types of new born reflexes:
1. Moro Reflex or Startle Reflex
2. Glabellar Tap
3. Rooting and Sucking Reflex
4. Tonic neck Reflex
5. Palmar Reflex
6. Plantar Reflex
7. Stepping Reflex
I. Moro Reflex
Babies usually exhibit a full Moro reflex which includes the arms, head and legs in
their first 12 weeks after birth. Also called the startle reflex, the Moro reflex usually
occurs when a baby gets startled by a loud sound, sudden movement or intense
light. As a response to the trigger, the baby suddenly lifts the arms and legs, curl
them back toward the body and then throw the head back. Your baby's own cry
may also startle him/her and trigger the Moro reflex.
Some babies experience an abnormal Moro reflex which only involves one side of
the body. Other babies may have no Moro reflex at all. Some causes of an
abnormal or absent Moro reflex may include infections, muscle weakness, injuries
from childbirth, peripheral nerve damage and spastic cerebral palsy.
When Does the Startle Reflex Go Away?
The Moro or startle reflex usually lasts until the baby is about five to six months
old.
II. Rooting Reflex
