Rooting reflex

Rooting reflex is a reflex observed in newborn infants, who automatically turn their face towards the stimulus and make sucking (suck reflex) motions with the mouth when the cheek or lip is touched. This reflex helps to ensure successful breastfeeding and lasts about 4 months.

Overview

The rooting reflex is one of many infant reflexes. It is a survival instinct that helps the infant to find the mother's nipple or a bottle nipple. The rooting reflex works in concert with the suck reflex, which involves the infant's natural instinct to suck on any object placed in its mouth. This combination of reflexes helps the infant to feed and survive.

Development

The rooting reflex begins to develop while the baby is still in the womb, and is fully present at birth. It is one of the first reflexes to develop and is a key part of the infant's ability to feed and nourish itself. The reflex typically disappears around four months of age, but can last longer in some infants.

Function

The rooting reflex serves several important functions. It helps the infant to find the nipple for feeding, whether from the breast or a bottle. It also helps the infant to coordinate the actions of the mouth and tongue necessary for effective sucking and swallowing. In addition, the rooting reflex can help to soothe a fussy or crying baby, as the act of sucking can have a calming effect.

Clinical significance

The presence or absence of the rooting reflex, along with other infant reflexes, can provide important clues about the health and development of a newborn. If the reflex is absent or weak, it may indicate a problem with the baby's nervous system or a difficulty with feeding. A healthcare provider can assess the rooting reflex as part of a routine newborn examination.

See also

• Moro reflex
• Grasp reflex
• Babkin reflex

Rooting reflex Resources
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