Newborn (Infant) Reflexes Nursing

Newborn (infant) reflexes NCLEX review for nursing students!

Infant reflexes are reflexes the baby is born with and it tells us how well that nervous system is
functioning and developing.

Newborn reflexes (sometimes called primitive reflexes) will go away after a period of time,
which is a good thing because again it tells us the baby’s neuro system is developing like it
should.

For pediatric exams, you want to know the following about newborn reflexes:

• Main reflexes present in an infant (their name)

o Rooting, tonic neck, sucking, step, Babinski, palmar grasp, plantar grasp,
crawling, step
• What the reflex does
• Approximate time when the reflex should disappear or decrease

Newborn Reflexes Assessment

Newborn (Infant) Reflexes for Pediatric Nursing

Tonic Neck Reflex (Fencing Reflex)

• When the infant’s head is turned to a particular side, the leg and arm on that side will
extend, while the leg and arm on the opposite side will flex.
 o For example, if the infant’s head is gently turned to the right side the right leg and
right arm will slightly extend, while the left leg and left arm will slight flex.
▪ It disappears around 4 month of age.

Grasp reflexes (two types)

• Palmar grasp reflexes (hand): when placing a finger or stroking the inside of the
infant’s palm the hand will close around it…hence grasp it.
o It disappears around 4-6 months of age.

• Plantar grasp reflex: when a finger is placed under the toes, the toes will curl.
o It disappears around 9 months to 1 year.
Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)

• This reflex occurs when the infant hears a sudden loud noise or experiences unexpected
movement.
o Example: when placed in the supine position (with the head supported) and the
head is allowed to fall lower than the body this reflex will occur.
▪ Response? the infant will throw out the arms (hence extend them) with the
palms up and then move the arms back to the body.
o It disappears by 6 months.

Rooting Reflex

• When the infant’s cheek or side of mouth is stroked, the head will turn towards it and the
infant will open its mouth in an attempt to suck. This helps the baby find its food source
when feeding.
o It disappears by 4 months.

Sucking reflex
 • When something touches the top of the infant’s mouth (specifically the hard palate of the
mouth….so the roof of the mouth) the infant will automatically suck. Again, this helps
with feeding by allowing the infant to pull food from the source….breast or a bottle.
o This disappears at 4 months and becomes a voluntary function.

Babinski Reflex
• When the bottom of the foot is stroked from the heel upward along the outward part of
the foot, the big toe dorsiflexes (bends back) and the other toes fan or spread out.
o This disappears around 1 year of age.

Crawling Reflex (Bauer Crawling Reflex)

 • When the infant is placed on the stomach and pressure (such as a hand) is applied to the
sole of the foot, the infant will attempt to push against the hand and move the arms and
legs in a crawling like motion.
o This disappears around a few weeks after birth to a couple of months.

Step reflex

• When holding the infant upright with legs and feet touching a surface, the infant will
move the legs like taking steps or walking.
o This disappears around 3-4 months

Now test your knowledge with this “Newborn Reflexes Quiz“.

References:

Medlineplus.gov. n.d. Infant Reflexes: Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia. [online] Available at:
<https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003292.htm> [Accessed 1 July 2020].

Modrell AK, Tadi P. Primitive Reflexes. [Updated 2020 Feb 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554606/