The reasons for reflexes
Types of reflexes
Newborn babies are born with many natural reflexes that help them to develop while inside the uterus and grow and thrive as they adjust to life on their own after birth. Reflexes are 'automatic responses' to nerve stimulation and can provide information to caregivers about your baby's ability to move and how their nervous system is developing as they grow into a toddler. Your caregiver or paediatrician will usually try to stimulate some of the normal newborn reflex responses in the days following the birth and at later check ups as the baby grows. You can read more on this in newborn examination.
Some reflexes are obvious at birth, others become apparent as your child grows. You will probably notice some common reflexes in your newborn baby. For example, just as we are startled by a loud noise and our response is to jump, so too will your newborn baby. This is known as the 'startle or 'Moro reflex'. Other reflexes are designed for the baby's survival and you will probably take them for granted, such as their ability to seek out nourishment and suck. Many reflexes disappear at various times within the baby's first year, a few will stay for life, such as breathing, blinking, sneezing and coughing.