Testing Reflexes

Your new baby has a series of reflexes that disappear within months of being born.  The Moro reflex (or startle reflex) sees your baby startle, spread out his or her arms and then retract them, and may cause your baby to cry.  It occurs when your baby is statled by a noise or believes that they are falling and is believed to be the only unlearned fear in a baby.  The Plantar reflex occurs when you stroke the bottom of your babies foot - you will see the toes splay and curl inwards.  Stroke the side of your babies back and you will observe the Galant reflex, and they should sway towards the side that you stroke.  Babies also have a rooting reflex - stroke their cheeck and they will turn towards you looking for food.  This is related to their sucking reflex which ensures that they suck on anything touching the root of their mouth.  These last two reflexes assist breastfeeding.  All of these reflexes are gone by 12 months, some last only the first few months.  Test your baby for these reflexes - you won't cause any harm and it will help strengthen the bond with your newborn!