1. Nature's Backup Plan
Infant reflexes, or primitive reflexes, are involuntary muscle reactions that occur when a baby is stimulated in a specific way. These movements cause specific muscles to produce a predictable reaction. These reactions help the baby survive outside the mother's womb. In a way, these infant reflexes are Mother Nature's way of protecting an infant from harm and helping it do the necessary things to grow. As the baby gets older and develops gross and fine motor skills, some of these reflexes diminish. Infant reflexes are signs of healthy development and they should disappear at specific intervals. If some reflexes are not present or if they fail to diminish at the right time, it can be a sign that the nervous system is functioning abnormally.
2. Open Wide
The rooting reflex is one that parents and caregivers will notice very early on. It occurs when the newborn's cheek, near the mouth, or his lips are gently touched. This causes the baby to turn towards the stroking, open his mouth and begin sucking motions. This is an important reflex because it helps the baby breastfeed.
3. Don't Drop me
The Moro reflex, more commonly known as the startle reflex, is one of the most well known. When the infant hears an unexpected sound, like a heavy item dropping on the floor, or when you move the baby suddenly and the she feels like she is falling, the she'll throw her arms and legs out to the sides and the fling her head back. The baby then pulls the arms back into the body and begins crying. Researchers suspect this reflex is a reaction to an innate fear in most every newborn.
4. That's a Mighty Fine Grip you Have
If you place a finger within a baby's hand, he's going to grab it. If you try to pull the finger, his grip will tighten. This is the gripping or grasp reflex. Despite being so small, an infant's grip is surprisingly strong. Most can support their entire body weight with a tiny little fist.
5. Why Some Babies Need a Pacifier
If you've ever watched an infant eat, then you're familiar with the sucking reflex. It's initiated when something comes into contact with the roof of an infant's mouth. This reflex helps her latch onto a bottle or breast to feed. Infants with an inordinately strong sucking reflex may need a pacifier or something to suck to assuage this reflex.
