Reflexes

Rooting reflex- enables babies to find and secure food

- when babies turn their faces in the direction their cheek or

mouth was touched. eg. left cheek, turn left

Grasp reflex-hand closes strongly when the palm is touched.

-diminishes over the next few months

-gone by 4 months

Startle reflex- set off by loud noises

-infant spreads arms and legs apart then retracts them into

hug.

Babinski reflex-fanning of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked

-decreases over time and is replaced with the plantar

reflex

-much of behavior of newborns is in response to inner needs

-activity is oft en greatest before nursing

-active and "attentive" when they are taking in their environment