NEONATAL REFLEXES
Moro Reflex
How to Elicit
Elicited by placing the infant supine upon the examining table and allowing the head (supported by the examiner's hand) to drop 10–15 degrees.Response
The reflex consists of abduction and extension of arms, opening of the hands, and then adduction and flexion of the arms as in an embrace.Clinical Relevance
It is established after about 28 weeks of fetal life and disappears at 4–6 months after birth.It is exaggerated or absent in cerebral irritability, decreased/absent in hypotonia, and asymmetrical in Erb's palsy, fracture, or spastic hemiplegia.
Plantar Reflex (Plantar Grasp)
How to Elicit
Elicited by pressure at the head of the metatarsals of the infant's foot.Typical Response
The toes will flex.Developmental Timeline
Present at birth and disappears by 4–6 months of age.Grasp Reflex (Palmar Grasp)
How to Elicit
Elicited by placing the forefinger in the palm of the infant's hand.Typical Response
The infant’s fingers will rapidly flex around the examiner’s finger, maintaining a grip.Tonic Neck Reflex
Developmental Timeline
Present at birth and usually disappears at 4–6 months of age.How to Elicit
With the baby in supine position, rotate the head to one side.Typical Response
Extension of the arm and leg on the side to which the head is rotated, with flexion of the opposite limbs.Clinical Note
Persistence beyond 6 months may indicate spastic cerebral palsy.Doll’s Eye Reflex
How to Elicit
Turn the infant’s head slowly to the right or left while watching the eyes.Typical Response
In newborns, the eyes move in the direction of the head.Developmental Timeline
Normally disappears beyond 3 weeks of age.Walking (Stepping) Reflex
How to Elicit
Incline the baby forward so that one foot touches a surface.Typical Response
The infant attempts to support weight and moves the opposite leg forward, simulating a step.Observation
Term infants use the sole; preterm infants may use their toes.Placing Reflex
How to Elicit
Hold the baby vertically with the back supported. Gently bring the dorsum (top) of the foot against the edge of a table.Typical Response
The baby flexes the knee and lifts the foot as if stepping up onto the surface.Developmental Timeline
Present at birth and usually disappears by 4–6 months of age.Parachute Reflex
How to Elicit
Hold the infant in a prone position and suddenly lower them toward a flat surface.Typical Response
The infant extends the arms, hands, and fingers outward in a protective manner, as if to break a fall.Developmental Timeline
Appears at 6–8 months of age and persists throughout life.Landau Reflex
How to Elicit
Hold the infant in a prone position with your hands under their abdomen.Typical Response
The infant will slightly extend the head, trunk, and hips. When the head is flexed, the trunk and legs will also flex.Developmental Timeline
Appears at 6–8 months and disappears by 15–24 months.Withdrawal Reflex
How to Elicit
Gently prick the sole of the infant’s foot with a sterile pin.Typical Response
The infant rapidly withdraws the leg by flexing the hip, knee, and foot.Crossed Extension Reflex
How to Elicit
In a supine infant, hold one leg extended and stroke the sole of the foot.Typical Response
The opposite leg flexes, adducts, and then extends as if trying to push away the stimulus.Developmental Timeline
Present at birth and disappears by 4–6 months of age.Galant Reflex
How to Elicit
Hold the infant in a prone position and stroke one side of the back, parallel to the spine.Typical Response
The trunk curves toward the stimulated side.Developmental Timeline
Present at birth and disappears by 6–9 months.📋 Neonatal Reflexes Summary Chart
| Reflex Name | How to Elicit | Typical Response | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Reflex | Let head fall back slightly | Arms spread, then embrace motion | 28 weeks gestation – 4 to 6 months |
| Plantar Grasp | Pressure on foot's metatarsal head | Toe flexion | Birth – 4 to 6 months |
| Palmar Grasp | Finger in infant's palm | Hand grips tightly | Birth – 4 to 6 months |
| Tonic Neck | Turn baby’s head to one side | “Fencing” posture | Birth – 4 to 6 months |
| Doll's Eye | Turn head side to side | Eyes follow head movement | Birth – disappears ~3 weeks |
| Stepping Reflex | Feet touch surface | Simulated stepping | Birth – ~2 months |
| Placing Reflex | Back of foot touches table edge | Leg lifts as if stepping | Birth – 4 to 6 months |
| Parachute Reflex | Lower baby suddenly in prone | Protective arm extension | 6–8 months; persists |
| Landau Reflex | Hold baby prone | Head/trunk/legs extend | 6–8 months – 15–24 months |
| Withdrawal Reflex | Prick sole of foot | Leg flexes quickly | Present at birth |
| Crossed Extension | Stimulate one foot | Opposite leg extends | Birth – 4 to 6 months |
| Galant Reflex | Stroke side of spine | Trunk curves toward stimulus | Birth – 6 to 9 months |
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