Baby’s early reflex

First category: survival instincts

Meaningful and last a lifetime

1.   Oral reflex

Rooting: when a nipple, finger or other object touches their lips, the newborn will immediately respond with a suckling motion of the lips.

Suckling: if you touch his cheek with your finger, the newborn will turn his head to your finger and open his mouth.

2. Defense reflex

Blinking: Baby will close their eyes when there is a strong light in front of them.

Vomiting: Touch the baby’s tongue or back of the throat, and he/she will have a vomiting reaction to prevent food from choking into the trachea and causing suffocation. It is a protective mechanism from choking.

Sneezing: when dust enters the baby’s nasal cavity, it can cause him to sneeze, this helps to eliminate foreign objects and avoid suffocation.

The second category: Primary reflex

This reflex usually disappears within a few months after birth. If it does not disappear, you may need to see a doctor for further assessment.

1. Morrow reflex

When there is a sudden loud noise or when the baby is suddenly placed on the bed, the baby will immediately straighten his arms, open his fingers, arch his back, tilt his head back and straighten his legs. It usually disappears 4 to 5 months after birth.

3. Fencing reflex

When the baby is lying on his back, turn the baby’s head to one side, and he will immediately stretch out the arms and legs on that side, bend the arms and legs on the opposite side, and make a fencing posture. It usually disappears after 3 months.

4. Stepping reflex

Holding your baby up and placing his feet on a flat surface, he will make striding movements and walk alternately with his legs in coordination. It usually disappears 4-5 months after birth.