Normal reflexes

Babies have many reflexes, or movements, and they make them without realizing it.

• Moro (startle) reflex: when baby is startled, they will fling their arms and legs to the sides and arch their back
• rooting reflex: baby turns their head toward the cheek that is stroked
• Babinski toe reflex: baby fans their toes when the heel is stroked toward the ball of the foot
• plantar toe reflex: baby curls toes when the ball of the foot is pressed
• grasp reflex: baby will grasp a finger when the palm of the hand is stroked
• tonic neck reflex: when baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out while the opposite arm bends up at the elbow
• walking reflex: baby will mimic walking when held under their arms