Baby Reflexes

Babies are born with several automatic reflexes, which are tested to make sure that the nervous system is working properly. The doctor will check that the baby:

• Sucks on a finger that is put in his mouth (the sucking reflex)

• Turns his head and opens his mouth ready to feed when his cheek is stroked (the rooting reflex)

• Tightly grasps a finger that is put into his hand (the grasping reflex)

• Shoots out his arms and legs if something startles him (the startle or ‘Moro’ reflex)

• Makes walking movements with his legs when he is held under his arms in an upright position with his feet on a firm surface (the stepping reflex)