Normal reflexes

Normal reflexes

Babies have many reflexes, or movements, and they make them without realizing it.

  • Moro (startle) reflex: when baby is startled, they will fling their arms and legs to the sides and arch their back
  • rooting reflex: baby turns their head toward the cheek that is stroked
  • Babinski toe reflex: baby fans their toes when the heel is stroked toward the ball of the foot
  • plantar toe reflex: baby curls toes when the ball of the foot is pressed
  • grasp reflex: baby will grasp a finger when the palm of the hand is stroked
  • tonic neck reflex: when baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out while the opposite arm bends up at the elbow
  • walking reflex: baby will mimic walking when held under their arms

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education, Guide for the Care of Children: Ages Birth to 5, sixth edition, ped-ah-91554
First Published: 02/01/2010
Last Reviewed: 11/16/2022