NEWBORN REFLEXES AND DEFINITIONS
Reflex Name Definition / Description Normal Age of
Disappearance
Rooting Reflex When the cheek or corner of the mouth is stroked, 3–4 months
the infant turns the head toward the stimulus and
opens the mouth — helps locate the nipple for
feeding.
Sucking Reflex When the infant’s lips or mouth are touched, 4–6 months
sucking movements occur. Essential for feeding.
Swallowing Reflex The infant automatically swallows after sucking or Persists throughout life
receiving milk.
Moro (Startle) Reflex In response to a loud noise or sudden movement, 4–6 months
the infant extends arms and legs outward, then
brings them back toward the midline.
Tonic Neck Reflex (Asymmetric When the infant’s head is turned to one side, the 4–6 months
Tonic Neck Reflex / Fencer’s arm and leg on that side extend while the opposite
Position) arm and leg flex — resembles a fencing position.
Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex When the infant’s head is flexed forward, the arms 6–9 months
(STNR) flex and legs extend; when the head is extended
backward, the arms extend and legs flex. Aids in
crawling development.
Grasp Reflex (Palmar) When the palm is touched, the infant grasps the 3–4 months
object tightly.
Plantar Grasp Reflex When the sole of the foot is touched near the toes, 8–10 months
the toes curl downward.
Babinski Reflex When the sole of the foot is stroked from heel to 12 months (1 year)
toe, the big toe dorsiflexes and the other toes fan
out. Normal in infants; abnormal if persists in
adults.
Stepping (Walking) Reflex When held upright with feet touching a flat surface, 2 months
the baby makes walking or stepping movements.
Crawling Reflex When placed on the abdomen, the newborn makes 2 months
crawling movements with arms and legs.
Placing Reflex When the infant’s foot touches the edge of a 2 months
surface, the leg lifts as if to step onto it.
Galant Reflex (Trunk Incurvation) When one side of the spine is stroked while the 2–4 months
baby lies prone, the trunk curves toward the side
that was stroked. Indicates spinal cord function.
Landau’s Reflex When the infant is held in a horizontal prone 12–24 months (1–2
position, the head lifts and the legs extend upward years)
— a sign of motor development and posture
control.
Knee Jerk Reflex (Patellar Reflex) When the patellar tendon (below the kneecap) is Persists throughout life
tapped, the lower leg extends due to contraction of
the quadriceps muscle. Indicates normal spinal cord
function (L2–L4).
Acoustic Reflex (Cochleopalpebral In response to a sudden loud sound, the infant Persists throughout life
Reflex) blinks or startles (protective mechanism for the
ear).
Blink Reflex Sudden bright light or movement near the eyes Persists throughout life
causes blinking.
Gag Reflex Touching the back of the throat causes gagging — Persists throughout life
protects airway.
Cough Reflex Helps clear the airway when stimulated. Persists throughout life
Key Clinical Notes
Presence at birth: Indicates a healthy, intact central nervous system.
Absence or persistence beyond normal age: May indicate neurological dysfunction (e.g., cerebral palsy,
brain injury).
Reflexes should be bilaterally symmetrical — asymmetry can mean nerve or muscle impairment.
Reflex testing is part of newborn neurological assessment.