Babies are born equipped with a set of instinctive reflexes they don't learn but arrive with ready-made, and checking them is a routine part of the pediatrician's exam to confirm the nervous system is working well.
The Most Common Reflexes
The startle reflex (Moro) makes a baby suddenly fling their arms out at a loud sound or sudden movement. The grasp reflex makes them clamp your finger with surprising strength. The rooting and sucking reflex automatically turns them toward the breast or bottle when their cheek is touched.
When These Reflexes Fade
Most of these reflexes gradually disappear as the nervous system matures, typically between two and four months, replaced by conscious, intentional movements as your baby grows.
- Swaddle or hold your baby close if the startle reflex keeps waking them from sleep.
- Enjoy that strong grasp moment — it's one of new parents' favorite reflexes.
- A reflex that's completely absent at a routine check warrants further evaluation by the doctor, but isn't necessarily a problem.
- Don't worry if a reflex fades a bit earlier or later than another baby's — normal variation is wide.
