Question

Describe some of the newborn reflexes. How might they promote survival?

Short answer

Newborn reflexes are automatic responses present from birth such as the rooting reflex, suck reflex and Moro reflex. They promote survival by facilitating feeding (rooting and suck reflex) and responding to potential threats (Moro reflex).

Step-by-step solution

Explain What Newborn Reflexes Are

Newborn reflexes, also known as primitive reflexes, are automatic responses or actions that are present from birth. This means that the baby will produce these responses without thinking, they are instinctive reactions.

Describe Some Newborn Reflexes

There are several types of newborn reflexes such as: (1) Rooting Reflex, which is where if you stroke a baby’s cheek, it will turn its head in that direction and open its mouth. (2) Suck Reflex, which sees the baby commence a sucking motion if something is put into their mouth. (3) Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex), is a reaction to a loud sound or sudden movement. The baby extends its arms, legs, and fingers and arches its back.

Describe How Reflexes Promote Survival

These reflexes are considered survival instincts. For example, the Rooting Reflex is important for feeding. It helps the baby locate the source of milk or food. The Suck Reflex also aids in nutrition, allowing the baby to consume food. The Moro Reflex is often seen as a baby's primitive fight/flight response and is usually present for the first two to five months of a newborn's life. It prepares the baby for the sudden sensation of falling.

Key concepts

Primitive Reflexes

Newborns come into the world equipped with a set of automatic responses known as primitive reflexes. These reflexes are not learned but are inherent actions that occur instinctively. They are critical for a newborn's immediate postnatal survival and development. For parents and caregivers, understanding these reflexes provides insight into a baby's health and responses to the environment.

• Primitive reflexes are involuntary and do not require any conscious effort from the newborn.
• They are crucial for basic activities such as feeding and responding to danger.
• These reflexes can also offer healthcare providers valuable information about the health of the infant's nervous system.

These reflexes naturally fade as a child grows and their brain matures, paving the way for more controlled and deliberate movements.

Rooting Reflex

The rooting reflex is one of the first reflexes to emerge after birth. When you gently stroke a baby's cheek, the newborn will instinctively turn its head toward the stimulus and open its mouth. This reaction is crucial for the infant's ability to locate food.

• Helps the baby find the breast or bottle for feeding.
• Usually present from birth and starts to fade around four months of age.
• Facilitates early bonding between the infant and the caregiver during feeding times.

This reflex not only aids in nutrition but also supports the early development of head and neck muscle coordination as the baby moves towards the food source.

Suck Reflex

The suck reflex is a vital component of an infant's ability to feed effectively right from birth. When an object such as a nipple or finger touches the roof of a newborn's mouth, the baby begins sucking. This reflex is essential for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.

• Ensures that the baby can feed and receive necessary nutrients.
• Typically strong in infants, supporting efficient intake of milk.
• This reflex is complemented by the swallowing reflex, allowing babies to drink without choking.

The suck reflex is a natural and instinctive behavior that diminishes as voluntary eating habits develop and the baby grows older.

Moro Reflex

The Moro reflex, sometimes referred to as the startle reflex, is a response to sudden sensory changes in the newborn's environment. If a baby senses a feeling of falling or hears a loud noise, it will quickly extend its arms, legs, and fingers, often followed by a crying response.

• Acts as a primitive alarm system that helps the baby respond to potential threats.
• This reflex is an early form of the fight-or-flight response.
• Typically present from birth and usually fades by around 2 to 5 months.

The Moro reflex is an important indicator of the neurological system's health and development, ensuring that the baby is capable of reacting to environmental stimuli.