Reflexes at work

A newborn baby is not as helpless as we may think – he has reflexes to help him get by. We look at how these happen and why, writes Phumzile Mavuso

1 THE MORO/STARTLE REFLEX

Your baby thrusts his arms outwards and backwards with his fingers extended, and he curls his fingers and draws his arms in towards his body. This is his way of protecting himself from falling. You are able to see this reflex when a sudden movement or a loud noise, even his own crying, startles your baby. This reflex will disappear by three or four months of age. Swaddling your baby will help him feel more secure.

2 PALMAR GRASP REFLEX

This reflex will help develop your baby’s ability to grab onto things in later months. You’ll be able to see it when you put your finger in his palm. He will hold onto your fingers so tightly that his whole body weight can be supported if you pick him up. It will disappear after six months.

3 THE ROOTING REFLEX

This happens when you touch or rub your baby’s cheek. He turns towards you and opens his mouth – and it will look like he’s sucking. This reflex is very useful during those first few days when he’s still learning to breastfeed. He will outgrow this reflex at four months as he learns how to turn towards the breast or bottle voluntarily.

4 THE SUCKING REFLEX

This reflex is linked to the rooting reflex and also helps with bottle or breastfeeding. When you put anything in your baby’s mouth, such as a finger or dummy, he will start sucking vigorously. He will outgrow this reflex at four months. This reflex will not be present if your baby is sleeping or if he’s just been fed.

5 TONIC NECK REFLEX

When your baby lies on his back, and you turn his head to the side, he will extend or stiffen his leg outwards. This reflex is very important during labour, as it helps your baby to twist and wiggle around during the process. This reflex will disappear at five months.