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What are Newborn Reflexes? Newborn reflexes are involuntary reflexes babies are born with that allow them to protect themselves. Pediatric chiropractors check these reflexes because they are indicators of whether or not a baby’s brain and nervous system are functioning properly. These can also indicate and predict a baby’s ability to thrive. An absence of these reflexes or failure of the reflexes to diminish or go away can indicate problems with neurological development.

The Moro (aka “startle”) Reflex is a normal reflex present from birth to ~ 2 months. Babies have should flail their arms and legs out when held on their back and lowered suddenly. This simulation of falling activates a baby’s response to protect itself using its arms and legs.

The Stepping/Walking Reflex is a normal reflex present from birth to ~ 6 weeks. When holding them upright and placing their legs on the ground, the baby will instinctively raise their legs to protect themselves from what’s below. This resembles walking, however, this is NOT an indicator of readiness to walk, merely a reflex that eventually diminishes.

The Rooting Reflex is a protective reflex present from birth to ~ 4 months. A baby will turn its head in response to the touching of their cheek. This response is an instinct that helps them find food (aka the nipple when breast feeding).

The Palmer Grasp Reflex is a protective reflex present from birth to ~ 4-5 months. A baby firmly grasps your finger or another small object when you place it in its palm. This reflex exists so that they can hold themselves up when being held.

The Babinski Reflex is a normal reflex present from birth to ~ 1-2 years. Babies should separate and splay out their toes when you lightly drag your finger or a small object across the bottom of their foot from their heel to their toes. This reflex helps the baby grip the ground when they are learning to walk.

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