Ped reflexes

Question 1

rooting reflex

Answer 1

stroke the babies side of his face with your hand or finger and he will turn toward the side and open his mouth in response to a nipple or breast
dissappears about 4 months

Question 2

moro reflex or startle reflex

Answer 2

Sit your baby upright for a few seconds with your hands lightly gripping her underarms, and your fingers supporting her neck then suddenly but gently lower her back a bit. She’ll throw out her arms and legs and extend her neck, as if to say, Pick me up! Loud, unexpected noises may elicit this reflex, and she may even cry when especially startled. dissappears around 2 months.

Question 3

stepping reflex

Answer 3

What It Is: Walking (or stepping) reflex

Check It Out: Hold your baby under his armpits with his legs dangling, then lower him so his toes touch the floor. He should immediately place one foot in front of the other and start to “walk” in place.

When It Disappears: Around two months. (Perhaps it’s nature’s way of telling him he’s not really ready?)

Question 4

Grasp refelx

Answer 4

What It Is: Grasp reflex

Check It Out: Stroke your baby’s palm with your finger. She’ll immediately grab your finger and hold on so tight you might have to pry her little fingers off. It’s her way of holding you and trying to get as much skin-to-skin contact as she can. If you stroke the sole of her foot, she’ll toes will cirl

Question 5

tonic neck reflex

Answer 5

Check It Out: When your baby is lying on his back, gently turn his head to the right. His right arm will shoot out in front of him and he’ll raise his other arm above his head. He’ll do the same thing on the opposite side if you turn his head to the left. Doctors have no idea what this reflex is for, but it does help your baby focus on the hand that’s out in front of him.

When It Disappears: Between four and five monthscurl up her toes in the same way, too.

When It Disappears: Gradually, beginning in about the third month.

Question 6

righting reflex

Answer 6

What It Is: Righting reflex

Check It Out: Gently drop a blanket over your baby’s face. She’ll automatically shake her head from side to side and flail her arms until it falls off—it’s your baby’s way of protecting herself. As she gets bigger, this reflex will evolve as necessary. For instance, when she’s learning to sit up, she’ll automatically stick her hand out to catch herself if she begins to topple over.

When It Disappears: Toward the end of the first year, as muscle tone and control improve.