Suck reflex -
The next reflex that babies have is the ‘suck’ reflex. Rooting helps the baby become ready to suck. When the roof of the baby’s mouth is touched, the baby will instantly begin to suck. The object that touches the roof of the baby’s mouth could be a nipple, bottle or parent’s finger. This reflex does not begin until about the 32nd week of pregnancy and is no fully developed until about 36 weeks. Also, premature babies may have weak or immature suck ability because of this. Babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that goes with rooting and sucking and may then suck on fingers or hands as well. Again, this reflex helps the baby to eat and usually last up to three or four months.
Moro reflex -
The Moro reflex is often called a ‘startle’ reflex because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement nearby. In response to the sound, the baby throws back his/her head, extends out his/her arms and legs, cries, then pulls his/her arms and legs back in. A baby's own cry can startle him/her and begin this reflex. This reflex lasts about five to six months. This reflex happens as it is the baby's first attempt to protect him/herself from harm. If a baby begins to cry because of this reflex, try swaddling him/her to make him/her feel more secure.
Tonic neck reflex -
When a baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow. This is often called the "fencing" position. The tonic neck reflex lasts about six to seven months but sometimes is not present until two months of age. The reason for this reflex is preparing the baby for voluntary reaching.
Grasp reflex -
This reflex is when someone stroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close his/her fingers in a grasp. The grasp reflex lasts only a couple of months and is stronger in premature babies. A baby’s grip can be strong enough to support his entire body weight! This reflex also prepares the baby developmentally for voluntary grasping later.
Babinski reflex -
This is when the sole of the foot is firmly stroked, the big toe bends back toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out. This is a normal reflex up to about 2 years of age. Babies have this reflex as an attempt to protect against falling.
Step reflex -
Finally the step reflex. This reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with his/her feet touching a solid surface. This reflex stops after two months but then reappears a couple of months later when the baby is learning to walk.
Development is split into four main categories. These are -
- physical
- intellectual
- emotional
- social
We recognise these groupings as PIES. But there are also two strands to physical development. To start off with, growth means the increased weight and size of a baby whereas development is how a baby gains skills in order to control their actions their body creates. FINISH THIS.. INCLUDE SKILLS THEY LEARN
