Newborn Reflexes: Nursing Assessment

Reflexes should be present shortly after birth and continue to develop in the first few months of age. However, the timeline by which a reflex disappears might vary, especially in preterm infants.

Some normal reflexes include the Moro reflex (startle response), rooting reflex (turning the head toward a touch on the cheek), and sucking reflex (automatic sucking when something touches the baby's mouth).

Others include the palmar grasp reflex (baby's hand closes around a finger), plantar grasp reflex (toes curl when the sole is touched), stepping reflex (making walking motions when feet touch a surface), and the tonic neck reflex, also known as the fencing reflex (when the baby's head turns, same-side arm stretches, opposite arm bends).

While some variations are normal, the persistent absence of specific involuntary movements may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare professional.