Testing Your Newborn's Reflexes

If you touch the roof of your baby’s mouth with your finger, a pacifier or a nipple, he will instinctively begin sucking. Around 2 to 3 months of age, your baby’s sucking will be a result of conscious effort and no longer a reflex.

If you stroke your newborn’s cheek, he will open his mouth and turn his head toward the side that was stroked a seek out your nipple or other sources of food. After about 4 months this reflex disappears but it can last up to a year (especially when your baby is sleeping).

If you place your finger or other slim objects in your baby’s palm, his fingers will grasp the object tightly. This reflex is also present in the feet causing the toes to curl. It can be tested by lightly touching your baby’s feet or toes. This reflex only lasts until your child is about 3 months old.

If you carefully support your baby underneath his arms, lean him slightly forward and lower his feet onto a hard, flat surface, he will make a walking motion. This reflex lasts about 2 months.

If your baby gets a sense of falling or hears a loud noise like a dog barking or door shutting, he will extend his arms and legs, open his fingers and arch his back. Then he will clench his fists and pull his arms to his chest. Your baby may also cry. This reflex should disappear at around 2 to 4 months of age.

If you place your baby on his back, he will look like a little fencer. His head will turn with the arm and leg of one side extended (the pair on the side he’s turned toward) and his other arm and leg will move. This reflex can be present up to about 6 months of age or about the time your baby begins rolling over (back-to-stomach) competently and regularly.

A stroke to the foot causes your newborn's toes to extend upward and his foot to turn inward. Present from birth up to the second birthday, though it will likely disappear much sooner.