Newborn Reflexes

What are newborn reflexes?Newborn reflexes are your baby’s involuntary muscle responses to stimulation. Certain actions or sensations produce specific muscle reactions. That means your baby isn’t controlling the responses. They’re happening automatically without your baby trying. Newborn reflexes are one of the normal newborn behaviors your baby should develop.Your newborn has limited control over their body, but they’re born with an innate set of skills to help them survive. Many of the normal reflexes of newborns are present before they’re born. The responses originate in your baby’s brainstem and are linked to early development.Your baby’s healthcare team uses newborn reflexes to assess your baby’s health. The presence and strength of your newborn’s reflexes are important signs of your baby’s nervous system development and function.AdvertisementCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland...