Infant Reflexes and Protective Responses: Developmental Milestones

Root Reflex

When infant's cheek is stroked, the infant turns to that side, searching with mouth (leaves at 3 months)

Suck Reflex

Finger or nipple in place (leaves at 2-5 months)

Moro Reflex

With sudden extension of the head, the arms abduct and move upward, and the hands form a 'C' (leaves at 4 months)

Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex

Supine, extremities extend on one side of the body and head is turned, 'fencing' position (leaves at 4 months)

Palmar Grasp Reflex

Grasps when palm is touched (leaves at 4-6 months)

Plantar Grasp Reflex

Pressure applied at bottom of foot, foot grasps (leaves at 9 months)

Babinski Reflex

Hyperextension of toes when lateral sole of foot is caressed (leaves at 12 months)

Step Reflex

One foot flat on surface, other foot goes down to 'step' (leaves at 4-8 weeks)

Neck Righting Reflex

Neck keeps the head in an upright position when the body is tilted (4 to 6 months, persists)

Sideways Parachute Reflex

Protective extension with the arms when tilted to the side in a supported position (6 months, persists)

Forward Parachute Reflex

Protective extension with the arms when held up in the air and moved forward; the infant reflexively reaches forward to catch themselves (6 to 7 months, persists)

Backward Parachute Reflex

Protective extension with the arms when tilted backwards (9 to 10 months, persists)