Newborns are born with several natural reflexes—automatic, involuntary responses to stimuli—that help them survive, adapt, and develop.

### **Common Newborn Reflexes:**

- **Rooting Reflex:**
  - **Trigger:** Touching or stroking baby's cheek.
  - **Response:** Baby turns head towards the touch, opens mouth, and searches for nipple or food source.

- **Sucking Reflex:**
  - **Trigger:** When an object (finger, nipple, or pacifier) touches baby's lips or inside of mouth.
  - **Response:** Baby instinctively sucks to facilitate feeding.

- **Moro (Startle) Reflex:**
  - **Trigger:** Loud noises, sudden movement, or feeling of falling.
  - **Response:** Baby flings arms and legs outward, then quickly brings them back toward body in an embrace-like motion.

- **Grasp (Palmar) Reflex:**
  - **Trigger:** Stroking or placing object in baby's palm.
  - **Response:** Baby tightly grasps the object.

- **Stepping Reflex:**
  - **Trigger:** Holding baby upright with feet lightly touching a flat surface.
  - **Response:** Baby appears to "walk," making stepping motions.

- **Babinski Reflex:**
  - **Trigger:** Stroking the sole of baby’s foot from heel to toes.
  - **Response:** Baby's toes fan out, and foot twists inward.

- **Tonic Neck Reflex (Fencing Reflex):**
  - **Trigger:** When baby’s head is turned to one side while lying down.
  - **Response:** Arm on that side stretches out, opposite arm bends, adopting a “fencer’s” pose.

### **Significance:**
- Reflexes indicate normal neurological and developmental function.
- Many reflexes fade as the baby matures (usually within first 6 months), replaced by intentional movements and skills.

If reflexes appear absent, exaggerated, or persist beyond the expected age, it's important to discuss this with your pediatrician.