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Newborns and reflexes

Reflexes are Important for Proper Development

Newborns develop at a fast pace; their bodies seem to change on a regular basis. One of the developmental characteristics in a newborn is reflexs, which is important to mental and physical progress. How can you tell if your newborn is developing the proper reflexes?

First, pay attention to your newborn and reflexes you notice on a daily basis. The definition of a reflex is an automatic response to an outside stimulus. Reflexes are needed for survival. There are six reflexes and each one is important to ensure a different need for survival.

Search reflex is when the baby turns toward an object. Usually the object has made a noise or bushed up against them. It helps the baby search for food.

Grasping reflex occurs when you touch a babies palm and it automatically closes or grasps onto the object. Protects against falling, the baby is able to grasp the mother.

Babinski's reflex is when you touch the sole of the foot and it turns inward, ensuring the baby against falling.

Startle reflex is when a loud noise or loss of support causes the baby to fling his arms in the air then back to his chest and start to cry. This is another attempt to avoid a fall.

Withdrawal reflex is the attempt to avoid pain. If his heal is pricked for a test his leg and foot will jerk backwards and the opposite leg and foot will push forward.

Walking reflex is when you hold the baby under their arms in an upright position and their feet touch a flat surface and they begin to make stepping movements.

Parachute reflex occurs when the child is suddenly lowered as if they were falling for an instant causing them to throw out their arms as a protective mechanism. This reflex usually appears before they learn to walk.

Reflexes are important steps in a newborn's development. Be aware of the types of reflexes your newborn is learning and watch them grow and progress each day.

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