Newborn reflexes

plantar grasp reflex

Applying fingertip pressure to the ball of the foot will cause the infant to curl the toes and attempt to grasp the finger.

Rooting reflex

Stroking the infant's cheek or corner of the mouth will cause the infant to turn the head toward the side stroked and open the mouth. less prominent after one month of age

Palmer grasp reflex

Stroking the infant's palm with a finger will cause the infant to grasp the finger. The infant will tighten the grasp when his/her arm is drawn upwards. When the palmar grasp is tested in both hands, the term infant can be briefly lifted.

Babkin reflex

This reflex is elicited by gently holding the infant's hands between the thumb and index/middle fingers. Pressure is applied simultaneously to the palm and dorsum of both hands. The infant will open his mouth and drop his tongue to the floor of his mouth

Moro reflex

This reflex is elicited by placing the infant in a semi-upright position, allowing the head to momentarily fall backward, with immediate resupport by the examiner's hand. The infant symmetrically extends and abducts the arms and opens the hands, then adducts and partially flexes the arms as if in an embrace. The fingers extend except for the index finger and thumb, which are often semiflexed forming a characteristic "C" position. Following the return of the arms toward the body, the infant may relax or cry

Galant reflex (truncal incurvation)

This reflex is stimulated by suspending the infant ventrally, supporting the anterior chest wall in the palm of the hand. Firm pressure is applied along the spine in the thoracic area with thumb or cotton swab. The infant flexes the trunk and swings the pelvis toward the stimulus

sucking reflex

Touching the infant's mouth will cause the infant to respond by opening the mouth and making sucking movements

Placing reflex

Holding the infant upright and touching the top of the foot to the underside of a horizontal surface will cause the infant to flex, then extend the leg and place the foot flat.

Stepping/walking reflex

Holding the infant upright so that the soles of the feet touch a flat surface will cause the infant to make alternate stepping movements. This reflex becomes more active 72 hours after birth.