The little toes of newborn babies leave the largest footprints on our hearts. Newborns are incredibly vulnerable and fragile, therefore mothers and guardians worry and become protective of their needs and actions. Their dependence on caregivers necessitates extra attention and recognition of their ever-changing behaviors.
Since they are too small to communicate their needs verbally, they resort to using signs, noises, and behaviors to convey their messages and requirements. These involuntary muscular movements are known as reflexes, which can be spontaneous and non-spontaneous. Most of these reflexes are entirely normal and are part of a baby's regular activities or are generated in response to some external stimuli.
The normal reflexes that occur at specific developmental milestones serve as indicators of a healthy brain and nervous system. While some reflexes are only present during certain stages of development, others persist throughout adult life.
THE GENESIS OF REFLEXES IN THE WOMB:
FEAR PARALYSIS REFLEX:
At around week 5 after conception, an intense reaction to shock or fear, the Fear Paralysis Reflex, takes center stage. Typically fading away after the emergence of the MORO reflex around week 12 in utero, this reflex plays a crucial role in the fetus' understanding and attachment. Its transient nature is essential for the baby's social and emotional development. However, if it lingers, it has the potential to impede the child's growth, leading to decreased interaction, and communication, and hindered interpersonal development. This reflex momentarily immobilizes the baby in a protective state, freezing them with fear.
TONIC LABYRINTHINE REFLEX:
The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex, also present in the womb, usually remains until the age of 3. This reflex contributes to the development of postural stability. When the head moves forward, the body and limbs flex in response, and vice versa. The prolonged presence of this reflex can result in a child appearing clumsy, having trouble navigating in space, judging distances, and struggling to comprehend their spatial orientation concerning other objects. This can lead to an increased strain on their visual systems.
INNATE REFLEXES: INSTINCTIVE RESPONSES PRESENT AT BIRTH
MORO REFLEX:
The Moro reflex, commonly known as the startle reflex, describes the immediate response of a baby to a loud noise. This response involves the infant bringing their hands and legs close to their body while often accompanied by crying, indicating a state of shock and fear. Typically, the Moro reflex disappears around 2 months of age. It serves as an early developmental sign, alerting parents to their baby's reaction and their need for comfort when startled. This reflex marks the initial stages of arousal, attention, and the formation of preferred learning styles.
ROOTING REFLEX: The Sucking Instinct
The Rooting Reflex, often referred to as the sucking reflex, plays a crucial role in helping newborns locate nourishment shortly after birth. When a baby's cheek is touched, they instinctively turn their head in search of a nipple to suckle and feed. While this reflex is innate, some babies may require time to master it. It disappears in months. Once breastfeeding is established and the baby learns to latch properly, this reflex aids in chewing, eating, and later, speech development.
PALMER REFLEX: The Grasping Impulse
Observing a baby's tiny hands and toes grip, curl, and hold onto objects when stroked on their palms and soles can be utterly fascinating. It is called the Plantar reflex when the feet are involved. The Palmer reflex, responsible for this gripping action, forms the foundation for the evolutionary development of dexterity. It empowers the baby to explore and interact with the objects in their surroundings. The Palmer reflex typically fades around 3 months of age, allowing the child to isolate and control each finger progressively. This sets the stage for acquiring essential hand skills, such as eating, pointing, coloring, and pressing buttons.
ASYMMETRICAL TONIC NECK REFLEX: Coordination and Brain Development
When a baby's head turns to the right, its right limbs straighten, while the left limbs flex or bend. Conversely, when the baby's head turns to the left, the opposite limbs exhibit these movements. These coordinated actions facilitate eye and head movement synchronization and promote the development of both brain hemispheres. Furthermore, they contribute to strengthening the midline of the body, laying the groundwork for acquiring balance and coordination skills. This reflex is also called fencing reflex and lasts about 5 to 7 months.
STEPPING REFLEX: The Walking Impression
The stepping reflex, also known as the dancing or walking reflex, describes how a baby seems to move or take steps when their feet contact a hard surface. This reflex typically lasts for about 2 months and plays a role in helping the baby reach their mother's breast for feeding when placed on the mother's abdomen. The muscle development associated with this reflex later serves as the foundation for developing walking and crawling skills.
LIFELONG REFLEXES: INNATE RESPONSES THAT PERSIST INTO ADULTHOOD:
Some involuntary muscle actions are natural and normal to the given stimuli, these are present by birth and persist into adulthood. Blinking in response to bright light, coughing or sneezing when exposed to any irritant, yawning when deprived of oxygen, and gagging when the back of the mouth is stimulated. All of them are part of normal cues.
PROLONGED REFLEXES: INDICATIONS OF BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM CHALLENGES
When reflexes that should naturally vanish at a certain age persist, it can be a sign of brain damage or abnormal nervous system development. Such enduring reflexes can significantly disrupt a child's social and developmental milestones. The key rule to remember is that anything outside of the norm is considered abnormal. In such cases, seeking prompt medical advice is crucial. Whether it's issues with vital functions like breathing, chewing, sleeping, or unusual muscular disturbances, early doctor visits and consultations are highly recommended. Prioritizing timely intervention and expert guidance is paramount.
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