Primitive Reflexes / Newborn Reflexes / Infant Reflexes

What exactly are primitive reflexes? According to Wikipedia, primitive reflexes are reflex actions originating in the central nervous system that are exhibited by normal infants, but not by neurologically intact adults, in response to particular stimuli. That is, as the child starts growing, these reflexes disappear. Since an infant’s control over his/her body is very limited, these natural reflexes helps them in their basic needs. Let’s take a look at some newborn reflexes.

Reflex Name	Age exhibited	Characteristics
Rooting reflex	0-4 months	If a baby is touched/brushed on the cheek near his/her mouth, the baby will automatically turn towards the source, open his/her mouth and make sucking movements. This is one of the most basic instinct which helps moms as well when they are trying to feed the baby.
Moro reflex	0-4/5 months	When a baby feels like he/she is falling, the baby suddenly throws out his/her legs and arms with open palms. The moro reflex may also be observed when the infant is asleep.
Walking reflex / Stepping reflex	0-2 months	When a baby is carried under his/her arms in such a way that the infant’s feet are touching a firm surface like a table, sofa or bed, you will notice that the infant will start stepping. That is, it may seem as if the baby is trying to walk.
Placing reflex	0-2 months	If a baby is carried in such a way that the baby’s foot brushes the edge of a table, the baby will lift his/her foot and place it on the table.
Grasp reflex / Palmar grasp reflex	0-3 months	If you place your finger in your baby’s palm, the baby’s fingers will automatically grasp on to your finger.
Babinski reflex / Plantar reflex	0-10 months	When you stimulate or stroke the sole of the baby’s foot, the foot will turn inward slightly, the big toe will extend and the other toes will fan out.
Asymmetric tonic neck reflex / Fencing reflex	0-4/5 months	When a baby is lying down, if you gently turn his/her head to a side, the hand on that side will extend and his/her other hand will rise above his/her head, just like a fencing pose.
Sucking reflex	0-4 months	If an object is placed in the baby’s mouth, he/she will automatically start sucking it. This is very vital for feeding. You don’t have to teach a baby how to feed.
Tongue thrust reflex	0-4/5 months	When you put any foreign object in the baby’s mouth, like a spoon, the baby with try and push it out by thrusting his/her tongue.
Parachute reflex	9 months – lifetime	If a baby is held face down and stimulus is applied in such a way that the baby feels that he/she is falling, the arms and legs stretch out. This reflex is related to the moro reflex.
Withdrawal reflex	Birth – lifetime	If your baby is sitting or lying down and you suddenly take your face close to his/her face, they baby will turn his/her face.
Spinal galant reflex	0-1/1.5 months	If your baby is lying face down, and if you stroke his/her spine

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