Minutes after birth, the pediatrician examines the baby’s reflexes. Some are striking, like the urge to walk. Others are normal for us, such as sucking and searching for the nipple. But what are reflections?
A reflex is an automatic, involuntary and probably defensive response that the individual gives to an alleged attack (such as closing the eyelids when something comes towards our eyes). When this response is mediated by thought, it becomes a voluntary act and ceases to be a reflection.
Primitive responses
1. Most of the newborn’s reactions are primitive responses that were part of the abilities of our ancestors. Today we do not use them, but they have been etched in our genes and they manifest precisely when the human being has not yet completed neurologically: at the moment of birth.
2. Except for search and suction, which do have a specific function (feeding), the other reflexes do not seem to be of any use. All in all, there are theories that try to explain its usefulness but they have no scientific basis and should not be taken literally.
3. The existence of reflexes is an indicator of vitality and that the newborn’s nervous system works well. As important as observing that they are present at birth is checking that they disappear over time (most of them during the first months of life). This is a sign that the baby is developing correctly.
Get to know them!
1. Crawling: When you put your baby on his tummy, he moves his legs as if he wanted to crawl forward.
How long it lasts: from the first days to three months.
Why it does it: some people claim that with this reflex the baby tries out the movements that he will later need to crawl. But the truth is that, from three months until crawling begins, the child does not make movements of this type again.
2. Sucking: if you put the nipple in your mouth, or even a finger, suck it vigorously.
How long it lasts: it is present from birth, towards the third month it intensifies and around the sixth it disappears. Thereafter, sucking becomes a voluntary act.
Why it does this: By sucking, the newborn gets the food it needs.
3. Palmar grip: when something touches the palm of the hand, the newborn grasps it firmly.
How long it lasts: from birth to five or six months.
Why it does it: It is an archaic reflex since, although it allows the baby to hold and hold itself, it does not do it voluntarily. On the other hand, it is believed that it can promote the bond between parents and children (the little one grasps the finger that they offer).
4. Parachute: If you hold it on its side and tilt it forward, the baby opens his arms as if he wants to hold on.
How long it lasts: from three to twelve months.
Why He Does It: It could be helpful for holding on in the event of a fall and also for learning to sit up.
5. Search: if you touch your cheek or the corner of your lips with your fingers or your chest, the baby instinctively turns his head in that direction in search of food.
How long it lasts: from the first day of life to four months. Thereafter, the baby automatically turns towards the breast because it already recognizes its touch and smell.
Why he does it: It is a reflection of survival, his instinct guides him to where the nipple is to feed.