It may take you a while to get accustomed to your
newborn's behavior. Baby's reactions to the various
stimuli are different. You will need to observe these
reactions. Being individuals already at such a tender
age, it is important to become familiar with these
baby traits. These very traits will contribute to
baby's personality in the future.
As baby learns to manipulate and direct his reactions,
she will automatically produce less random reactions;
for example your newborn will scrunch her whole face
when she sees you but at 2 months she will give you
a smile.
What
are Reflexes
All healthy babies have numerous reflexes that can
be stimulated soon after birth. Reflexes are involuntary
actions the baby makes, which in time (about 3 months
later), will be replaced by conscious movements.
Certain reflexes are only present in the newborn
phase. These unconscious movements are indicative
of normal brain and nervous system.
Other Facts on Reflex
Instinctive reflexes reflect on baby's maturity
until he has developed his physical and mental abilities
Premature babies react differently from full term
babies
Reflexes help doctors determine baby's general wellbeing
and the functioning of his nervous system
Newborns have about 70 primitive reflexes
The two most common reflexes are rooting and grasp
Some of the more common
Reflexes
Rooting reflex:
This is considered a basic instinct as it helps baby
feed. Rooting reflex helps the newborn to find the
breast or bottle and suck it. When the baby's mouth
or cheek is stroked, it responds by 'rooting' or turning
and opening its mouth in the direction of the finger.
This reflex continues for a few months until baby
is able to turn voluntarily.
Grasp reflex:
baby grasps anything that is placed into her fist.
For example if you were to stroke your tot's palm
with your finger, your baby will catch you by surprise
and clench it quite tightly. The grasp is more firm
in premature babies; it usually disappears within
few weeks. The grasp is tight enough to support baby's
entire weight although it is not advisable that you
try this with your newborn.
Sucking reflex:
when you touch the roof of baby's mouth, its natural
instinct will be to suck. Sucking reflex is not fully
developed in premature babies and that is why the
problems with feeding. This reflex too becomes voluntary
after a few months.
Startle reflex:
also called the Moro reflex, it is baby's response
to noise and sudden movements. Baby will react by
throwing back its head, extending its legs and arms
with fingers outstretched, and cry to basically prevent
him from falling. The baby will then pull back its
arms and legs. The amazing thing is babies can be
startled by their own cries. This reflex goes away
when baby is about 6 months old.
Tonic neck reflex:
when you turn baby's head to the side, the arm on
that side extends out and the arm opposite bends at
the elbow. Also called the fencing reflex, it disappears
when baby is about 7 months of age.
Step reflex:
if you hold baby upright and let baby's feet touch
a firm surface and your newborn will mimic a stepping
action. This has nothing to do with actual walking.
This reflex is also aptly called the 'dance or walking'
reflex. It disappears in about a month and does not
help your baby learn to walk.
Crawling:
when placed on the stomach, your baby will automatically
assume the crawling position with its pelvis high
and knees pulled up under the abdomen. When he kicks
his legs, it may appear like vague crawling. Things
change when baby's legs uncurl and he begins to lie
flat in a few weeks time
Babinski reflex:
try stroking baby's foot and the big toe will bend
toward the top of the foot and the other toes will
fan or spread out. This reflex goes on for about 2
years
Eye reflex:
baby either closes his eyes, blinks, moves his eyes
from one side to the other and all this depends on
the action around him.
