- Rooting Reflex:
The rooting reflex is most evident when an infant's cheek is stroked.
The baby responds by turning his or her head in the direction of the
touch and opening their mouth for feeding. - Gripping Reflex:
Babies will grasp anything that is placed in their palm. The strength
of this grip is strong, and most babies can support their entire weight
in their grip. - Toe Curling Reflex:
When the inner sole of a baby’s foot is stroked, the infant will
respond by curling his or her toes. When the outer sole of a baby’s
foot is stroked, the infant will respond by spreading out their toes. - Stepping Reflex:
When an infant is held upright with his or her feet placed on a
surface, he or she will lift their legs as if they are marching or
stepping. - Sucking Reflex:
The sucking reflex is initiated when something touches the roof of an
infants mouth. Infants have a strong sucking reflex which helps to
ensure they can latch onto a bottle or breast. The sucking reflex is
very strong in some infants and they may need to suck on a pacifier for
comfort. - Startle/Moro Reflex:
Infants will respond to sudden sounds or movements by throwing their
arms and legs out, and throwing their heads back. Most infants will
usually cry when startled and proceed to pull their limbs back into
their bodies. - Galant Reflex:
The galant reflex is shown when an infants middle or lower back is
stroked next to the spinal cord. The baby will respond by curving his
or her body toward the side which is being stroked. - Tonic Neck Reflex:
The tonic neck reflex is demonstrated in infants who are placed on
their abdomens. Whichever side the child’s head is facing, the limbs on
that side will straighten, while the opposite limbs will curl.
