Infant Reflexes

Question 1

Moro Reflex

Answer 1

Occurs when infant is startled with rapid change of position. Infant throws arms and legs out, cries, then recoils arms and legs; neonate makes a C with thumb and finger

Disappears around 6 months

Question 2

Startle Reflex

Answer 2

Occurs when infant is startled with noise. Infant throws arms and legs out, cries, then recoils arms and legs; neonate makes a C with thumb and finger

Disappears around 4 months

Question 3

Rooting Reflex

Answer 3

When the side of the mouth is touched or stroked the infant will turn its head and seek to suck

Disappears around 3-6 months

Question 4

Sucking Reflex

Answer 4

Sucking motion occurs when finger or nipple is placed in neonate’s mouth

Disappears around 10-12 months

Question 5

Palmar Grasp

Answer 5

Grasping of person’s finger in the infant’s hand

Disappears around 3-4 months

Question 6

Plantar Reflex

Answer 6

Infant’s ties flex in grasping motion response to touch/pressure placed on the ball of the foot

Disappears around 3-4 months

Question 7

Babinski Reflex

Answer 7

Infant’s toes flare when foot is stroked in an upward motion

Disappears around 12 months

Question 8

Stepping/Dancing Reflex

Answer 8

The neonate steps up and down in place when held upright

Disappears around 3-4 weeks

Question 9

Parachute-sideways

Answer 9

Protective extension with arms when tilted to the side in a supported sitting position. Appears at 6 months

Question 10

Parachute-forward

Answer 10

Protective extension with arms when held up in the air and moved forward-infant reaches forward to catch self. Appears at 6-7 months

Question 11

Parachute-backward

Answer 11

Protective extension of arms when tilted backwards. Appears at 9-10 months