Types of Newborn Reflexes and Their Role in Baby's Growth
Newborn reflexes, or primitive reflexes, are unconscious movements of babies that occur at birth. They play a fundamental role in survival and are managed by the brainstem. They become a basis for more sophisticated motor functions that develop during the baby's growth. Therefore, their observation can help understand how healthy the baby's central nervous system is.
Types of Newborn Reflexes
Let's observe the different reflexes in newborns and examine their significance in early childhood.
Rooting Reflex
The rooting reflex is essential to a baby's ability to find food. When stroked gently, a baby's cheek or mouth corner turns the head and opens the mouth to follow and "root" in the direction of the stroking. The baby then finds the breast or bottle to start feeding. This reflex disappears after about four months as the baby gains more control over its movements.
Sucking Reflex
The feeding and sucking reflex in babies form another essential feeding reflex. Babies start sucking automatically when their mouth's ceiling wall is touched. The structure of this reflex begins forming when the baby is 32 weeks inside the mother and is complete at birth or when the baby is 36 weeks pregnant. The sucking reflex works not only to feed infants but also helps calm babies.
Moro Reflex:
The Moro reflex, or the startle reflex, is when a baby reacts to a loud noise or sudden movement. The baby will throw back his head, extend his arms and legs, cry, and then pull his arms and legs back in. This is believed to be a primitive fight-or-flight response. It usually disappears around two months of age.
Tonic Neck Reflex
The tonic neck reflex, also known as the "fencer's pose, " occurs when a baby's head is turned to one side, and the arm on that side stretches out, with the opposite arm bending at the elbow. This helps develop hand-eye coordination and generally disappears by six months of age.
Grasp Reflex
The grasp reflex occurs when you put your finger or any other object into an infant's palm, and the infant closes its fingers over it. This reflex plays a very important role in the baby's bonding and interaction with caregivers. The grasp reflex gradually fades away at around five to six months, when the baby starts to gain voluntary control over its hands.
Stepping Reflex
The stepping reflex, also called the walking or dance reflex, is experienced when a baby is carried upright with its feet resting on a firm surface. The baby walks or dances. The stepping reflex represents an essential landmark in a baby's movement development preceding independent walking, lasting an average of two months.
Babinski Reflex
The Babinski reflex appears when the sole of an infant's foot is stroked. The big toe rises or comes upwards and inwards; all other toes splay outward. This reflex is within the normal range for a baby and represents healthy neurological development. It typically resolves by two years of age.
Role of Reflexes in Newborn's Growth and Development
Newborn reflexes are not mere abnormal movements but play a crucial role in the baby's growth and development.
These reflexes lay down the base for future physical fitness and mental development. They enable babies to react to their environment, get proper nutrition, and express themselves to their caregivers during the initial stages of their lives. By integrating these spontaneous responses, babies gradually gain voluntary control over their movements, paving the way for complex behaviors such as crawling, walking, holding objects, and other motor skills.
Do All Newborn Reflexes Disappear?
Yes, most newborn reflexes disappear as the baby matures and their nervous system develops. More voluntary and purposeful movements generally replace these reflexes. The disappearance of these reflexes usually follows a predictable timeline, which pediatricians use to monitor the baby's neurological development. However, some reflexes, like the Babinski reflex, may persist longer than others but should still fade as the child grows. There are, however, certain reflexes that persist into adulthood:
- Blinking Reflex: You blink when you see a bright light.
- Sneeze reflex: You sneeze when the nasal passages are congested.
- Yawning reflex: You yawn when your body needs more oxygen.
- Cough reflex: You cough when the outside of your airway becomes irritated.
- Gag reflex: You gag when the back of your throat or mouth is stimulated.
What Does the Absence of Reflexes Indicate?
The absence or persistence of certain reflexes may indicate a potential neurological problem. Here are some pointers on what the lack of specific reflexes might suggest:
- Rooting Reflex: Absence may indicate feeding difficulties or neurological impairment.
- Suck Reflex: A weak or absent suck reflex could signal problems with the brain or nervous system.
- Moro Reflex: Lack of this reflex might suggest brain or spinal cord issues.
- Tonic Neck Reflex: Absence may indicate developmental delay and cerebral palsy.
- Palmar Grasp Reflex: Absence may indicate dysfunction within the nerves or muscles.
- Stepping Reflex: Lack of this reflex may be suggestive of motor development delay.
- Babinski Reflex: Absence in infants indicates central nervous system disorders.
Conclusion
Newborn reflexes are interesting automatic actions that play a significant role in the growth and development of a baby. Understanding the different kinds of newborn reflexes is essential for parents or caregivers. A baby's neurological health will be revealed by these reflexes, which form a foundation for further development in the future. Keeping tabs on these reflexes could help ensure your child is on the right trajectory regarding developmental markers and provide the possibility to intervene early in case a problem arises. Appreciating these early movements will also help parents nurture their babies through the incredible stages of growth and development.