Infant Reflexes ATI

Babinski reflex

Birth to 1 year; elicited by stroking the outer edge of the sole of an infants foot up toward the toes. The infants toes fan upward and out.

tonic neck reflex/Fencer position

Birth to 3-4 months; elicited by turning an infants head to one side. The infant extends the arm and leg on that side and flexes the arm and leg on the opposite side.

Moro reflex

Birth to 4 months; elicited by allowing the head and trunk of an infant in a semi-sitting position to fall backward to an angle of at least 30 deg. The infants arms and legs symmetrically extend, then abduct while fingers spread to form C-shape

stepping reflex

Birth to 4 weeks; elicited by holding an infant upright with his feet touching a flat surface. The infant makes stepping movements

Plantar grasp

Birth to 8 months; elicited by touching the sole of an infants foot. The infants toes curl downward

palmar grasp

birth to 3 months; elicited by placing an object in an infants palm. The infant grasps the object

startle reflex

birth to 4 months; elicited by clapping hands or by a loud noise. The newborn abducts arms at the elbows then the hands remain clenched

sucking and rooting reflex

birth to 4 months; elicited by stroking an infants cheek or the edge of an infants mouth. The infant turns her head toward the side that is touches and starts to suck.