Motor Skill Development: Newborn Reflexes
A list of some newborn “primitive reflexes” and how long they can last in average.
| Reflex | Time not present | |
|---|---|---|
| Palmer and plantar grasp reflex | Pressure on palm or foot leads to firm grasp | End 9. month (hand) End 1. year (foot) |
| Rooting reflex | Touching of the mouth corner leads head moving to that direction | End 3. month |
| Sucking and swallowing reflex | Touching of the roof of the mouth leads to sucking. This leads to swallowing | An active sucking develops later, swallowing reflex remains for life |
| Diving reflex | Water coming into the mouth or nose (head under water) leads to closing of the airways | End 6. month |
| Swimming reflex | Holding baby prone in the water leads to swim movement | Very variable |
| Walking/stepping reflex | Holding baby supine and feet touching surface leads to stepping | End 3. month |
| Moro reflex | Falling backwards or in response to laud noise opening of the arms and moving them inwards like embracing | End 4. month |
| Barbinsky reflex | Stroking side of the feet leads to extension of the great toe | End 1. year |
| Vestibuloocular reflex | The eyes are turning with the head | End 10. day |