Early Reflexes

Moro reflex stimulus and reaction

1. Baby is dropped or hears a loud noise

2. Extends legs, arms, and fingers, arches back, draws head back

when does the moro reflex appear

7th month of gestation

when does the moro reflex disappear

3 months

Darwinian (grasping reflex) stimulus and reaction

1. palm of baby's hand is stroked

2. makes strong fist

when does the grasping reflex appear

7th month of genstation

when does the grasping reflex disappear

4 months

Tonic neck stimulus and response

1. baby is laid down on back

2. turns head to one side, flexes opposite limbs

when does tonic neck reflex appear

7th month of gestation

when does the tonic neck reflex disappear

5 months

Babinski reflex stimulus and response

1. sole of baby's foot is stroked

2. toes fan out and foot twists in

when does Babinski reflex appear

birth

when does Babinski reflex disappear

4 months

Rooting stimulus and reflex

1. baby's cheek or lower lip is stroked with finger/nipple

2. head turns, mouth opens, sucking movement begins

when does rooting reflex appear

birth

when does rooting reflex disappear

4 months

Walking reflex

1. baby is held under arms with feet touching a flat surface

2. makes steplike movements, looks like well-coordinated walking

when does the walking reflex appear

1 month

when does the walking reflex disappear

4 months

Swimming

1. baby is put into water face down

2. makes well- coordinated swimming movements

when does the swimming reflex appear

1 month

when does the swimming reflex disappear

4 months