Gina Johnson
Newborns exhibit a wide range of reflexes, from rooting and sucking to the more startling Moro reflex, which can be triggered by any sudden changes in sensory stimulation, such as a loud noise or the sensation of falling. This involuntary response is an important indication of a normal and developing nervous system in newborns and typically disappears by the 5th or 6th month. While the Moro reflex is not harmful to the baby, it can be particularly troublesome during sleep, as it may wake them up from a sound sleep.
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What You'll Learn
The Moro reflex
The presence of the Moro reflex is a positive sign, indicating that the baby's nervous system is developing properly. However, its absence or abnormality can suggest potential issues. For example, the absence of the reflex on both sides may indicate damage to the brain or spinal cord, while its absence on one side could point towards a broken shoulder bone or an injury to the brachial plexus nerves. Therefore, healthcare providers routinely check for the Moro reflex as part of a standard newborn assessment after birth and during well-child visits.
In summary, the Moro reflex is a normal and protective response in newborns, helping them cope with new sensations and sounds. While it can disrupt sleep patterns, there are strategies to manage it, and its presence is an encouraging sign of healthy neurological development.
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How to soothe a startled baby
The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a normal and healthy response in newborn babies. It is triggered by a sudden change in sensory stimulation, such as a loud noise or the sensation of falling. When the reflex occurs, the baby may cry out and curl up, arch their back, and then draw up their knees and bring their arms and fists close to their body. This reflex typically disappears within the first few months of a baby's life, as their nervous system matures and they gain more control over their movements.
If your baby's Moro reflex is keeping them from sleeping properly, here are some tips to soothe them:
- Keep your baby close to your body when laying them down. Only gently release them once their back is touching the mattress to prevent them from experiencing a falling sensation, which can trigger the startle reflex.
- Swaddle your baby. This technique mimics the comfortable restriction of the womb, making them feel safe and secure. It also helps to reduce the effect of the Moro reflex by restricting their movements and helping to draw their extended limbs back in. You can use a swaddle blanket with Velcro tabs or a sleep sack for added convenience. However, stop swaddling if your baby is wriggling out of the blanket or showing signs of rolling over, as it can pose a risk.
- Use white noise: A white noise machine or app can help block out any sudden noises that might startle your baby. It can also help to minimise the surrounding din while your baby gets used to new sounds.
- Introduce self-soothing: Using a lightly weighted swaddle, such as the Zen Swaddle, can help teach your baby to self-soothe and fall back asleep on their own, even after experiencing the Moro reflex.
- Provide extra support: When carrying your baby from one place to another, offer extra support to prevent any sudden changes in movement or balance that could trigger the reflex.
Remember, it is normal for babies to exhibit the startle reflex, and it may be challenging to prevent it from occurring. However, by following these tips, you can help your baby relax and soothe themselves back to sleep more easily after an episode.
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Other newborn reflexes
Newborns have a range of reflexes that are important for their development and survival. These reflexes are involuntary muscle responses to stimulation, and they occur automatically without the baby trying to control them. Here are some other newborn reflexes besides the Moro reflex:
Rooting Reflex
The rooting reflex, or root reflex, is a baby's response to being stroked or touched on the cheek or mouth. They will turn their head toward the touch, open their mouth, and make sucking movements. This is a basic survival instinct that helps them find and latch onto a nipple to feed. The rooting reflex typically lasts until the baby is around 4 months old, after which they voluntarily turn their head towards the nipple.
Sucking Reflex
The sucking reflex is another survival instinct that is often linked to the rooting reflex. When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched or stimulated, they will begin to suck. This reflex is important for feeding and nourishment.
Grasping Reflex
There are two types of grasping reflexes in newborns. The first is the palmar grasp, which occurs when you stroke the palm of the baby's hand, and they immediately grip your finger tightly. The second is the plantar grasp, which happens when the sole of the baby's foot is stroked, causing the big toe to bend back towards the top of the foot while the other toes fan out. This reflex is also known as the walking or dance reflex, as it can make the baby appear to take steps or dance when held upright with their feet touching a solid surface.
Stepping Reflex
The stepping reflex may cause newborns to instinctively "crawl" towards the breast for feeding when they are lying on their mother's chest. When held upright and their soles touch a flat surface, they may appear to take steps in a "walking" motion.
Babinski Reflex
The Babinski reflex, discovered by neurologist Joseph Babinski in 1896, is a reaction in the baby's foot. When the bottom of the baby's foot is stroked from the heel to the toes, their big toe moves upward while the other toes fan out. This reflex is typically present until the baby is about one year old.
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Sleep sounds and newborn reflexes
Sleep is not quiet for newborns, and new parents are often surprised by the commotion coming from their snoozing infant's crib. Newborns have short sleep cycles, constantly drifting in and out of sleep. They also have a higher percentage of REM sleep, which is a lighter sleep state associated with dreaming. Here are some common sleep sounds and newborn reflexes to be aware of:
Sleep Sounds
- Moaning, sighing, and cooing: These sounds are cute and indicate that your baby is dreaming.
- Grunting: Grunting helps babies regulate their breathing and maintain a steady supply of oxygen through the night.
- Gurgling: This occurs when your baby's swallow reflexes are not fully developed, causing them to gurgle up milk or saliva while sleeping. It can be concerning for parents, but it is typically not a cause for alarm.
- Lip smacking or sucking: These sounds usually indicate hunger.
- Snoring or snorting: These sounds are often due to congested nasal passages, which can interfere with feeding and sleep.
Newborn Reflexes
- Startle Reflex or Moro Reflex: When startled, newborns might cry out, arch their back, fling their arms and legs, and then curl up. This reflex is normal for the first few months of life and is a sign of healthy neurological development. It can be triggered by loud noises, sudden movements, or the sensation of falling.
- Tonic-Neck Reflex (Fencer's Reflex): When the newborn's head is turned to one side, the arm and leg on that side straighten, while the opposite arm and leg flex. This reflex typically disappears by 4 months of age.
- Rooting, sucking, grasping, and stepping: These are other common reflexes observed in newborns.
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Travelling with a newborn
Plan Your Travel Around Your Baby's Schedule
Children tend to behave better when they have a predictable routine. Try to plan your travel and activities around your baby's naptime, bedtime, and feeding schedule. A well-rested and fed baby is more likely to be content and less cranky during the journey.
Pack Efficiently
Make sure to pack plenty of formula, bottles, water (for babies older than 6 months), and solid foods if applicable. It is a good idea to pack more than you think you will need, including extra diapers, diaper rash cream, and plastic bags for dirty diapers. Don't forget to bring along any prescription medications your baby may need, along with their health information, contact details of their healthcare providers, and a list of any allergies or medications they take.
Choose Your Mode of Transportation Wisely
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), both premature and full-term babies should avoid flying for the first few months of life unless necessary. Flying and travelling by train can increase your baby's exposure to infectious diseases. Road trips are generally the safest option for newborns, but ensure you have a properly installed infant car seat and take breaks every few hours as recommended by the AAP.
Create a Comfortable Environment
Whether you are on a plane, train, or in a car, you can create a soothing environment for your baby. Consider using a white noise machine or app to block out any disturbing noises, and if your baby enjoys being swaddled, bring a swaddle blanket to help them feel secure and calm.
Don't Overschedule
Try not to pack too many activities into the first few days of your trip. Your baby's rhythms may be disrupted, and they will need time to adjust to new surroundings. If you are staying in a hotel or vacation rental, inquire about crib or play yard availability when making your reservation. Alternatively, you can rent baby equipment or bring your own portable bassinet.
Remember, infants are generally more adaptable than we give them credit for, and with some flexibility and preparation, travelling with your newborn can be a positive and memorable experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The Moro reflex is a normal response in newborns to something unexpected, like a loud noise or the sensation of falling. It is also known as the startle reflex.
If your baby is exhibiting the Moro reflex, they will suddenly arch their back, fling their arms up and out, and open their hands. They will then draw up their knees and bring their arms and fists close to their body.
The Moro reflex usually goes away in a few months, typically by month 5 or 6.
There is no way to prevent the Moro reflex from occurring. In fact, it is healthy for your baby to have this reflex as it shows their nervous system is developing properly.
To help your baby sleep through the Moro reflex, you can try swaddling them, using a white noise machine, or keeping them close to your body when laying them down.
