Reflexes of Newborn

sucking reflex

touching the lips elicits this. Occurs until 10 months. Breastfed infants will not exhibit sucking reflex b/c of central nervous system depression b/c mother takes barbituates

rooting

caused by stroking the skin at one corner of the infant's mouth. The infant will turn the head toward the side stroked. . Present until 3-4 months.

placing

infant is held under the arms in standing position. Touching the dorsum of one foot on the edge of the table. The tested leg will flex and lift onto the table. It is abnormal if there is no response. Should not test the stepping and placing reflex at the same time.

Stepping reflex

infant is held under the arms with the feet placed on a firm surface. It will look like the infant is walking. Dissapears in about 3 months

Gallant

infant is lying prone with the hands under the abdomen. When the infants skin is stroked on one side of the spine; the infants shoulders and pelvis turn toward the stimulated side . Dissapears in 2 months

Tonic or "fencing" reflex

infant is supine and rotates the head to one side. The arm and leg on the side to which the jaw is turned will extend and the opposite are and leg will flex. Sometimes the this reflex may not be displayed until 6-8 weeks of age. if still not seen after 6 months of age cerebral damage is suspected.

cross extension reflex

infant is supine. Hold one leg extended with the knee pressed down and stimulate the bottom of that foot. The other leg should flex, adduct and then extend as if trying to push away the stimulus. Disapears after 4 weeks

Babinskis reflex

plantar surface of the infant's foot is stroked from the lateral heel area and across under toes. The great toe should be dorsiflexed and other toes fan out ( this is positive response and is normal) The presence of the reflex after the infant has mastered walking is abnormal (12-18 months) In an adult or child that has mastered walking you want a negative and normal response which is flexion of great toe and other toes.

palmar grasp reflex

when a finger is placed across the palm the infant grabs the finger, lasts until 4 months

plantar grasp reflex

when the foot is held and the plantar surface of the foot is touched below the toes with the other hand, the toes will curl downward. Lasts till 8 months of age

moro or startle reflex

when the infant is startled, arms are abducted and extended with fingers fanning out. The thumb and forefinger form a C followed by adduction of the arms in and embracing motion. As slight tremor may be noted. Dissapears in 4-6 months.

extrusion

when the tip of the tongue is touched or depressed, the infant ill force the tounge outward. Disappears at 4 months. Feeding infant is difficult w/spoon.