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For newborns, during the initial month, they remain fragile and delicate, and most of their movements are reflexive. In the first month, babies exhibit reflexes such as searching for the mother's breast, grasping reflex, and sucking reflex.
During the first month, mothers can encourage babies to lie on their stomachs, aiding in the development of hand and head movements, promoting the healthy growth of neck muscles. However, patience is essential for mothers.
Let's delve into some reflexes of newborns in the first month.
1. Rooting Reflex:
When stimuli near the mouth cause the baby to turn their head towards the source and open their mouth, it helps newborns find their mother's nipple while breastfeeding.
2. Sucking Reflex:
This reflex is a natural survival instinct developed before birth. During ultrasound scans during pregnancy, you might be lucky enough to witness the baby sucking their thumb. After birth, when in contact with the mother's nipple, a pacifier/bottle, or the mother's finger, the baby exhibits sucking reflex immediately.
3. Moro Reflex:
When startled, the baby typically raises both arms and legs and opens their hands wide. Later, they bring their arms and legs back together, and some babies may cry. This reflex is crucial for medical examination as doctors can assess the newborn's limb movements for symmetry.
4. Grasping Reflex (Palmar Grasp and Plantar Grasp Reflex):
Palmar Grasp Reflex: When parents touch their fingers to the baby's palm, the baby tightly grasps the hand.
Plantar Grasp Reflex: Similarly, when parents touch their fingers to the baby's foot sole, the baby will curl the toes.
Note for mothers: No matter how tightly the baby grasps, avoid pulling them up by letting the baby cling to your finger, as the baby is still delicate and may release their grip at any time.
Mothers can explore some infant toys to help the baby practice gripping. Check out the following options:
5. Tonic Neck Reflex (Protective Reflex when the Neck is Turned):
If the baby's head is turned to the left while lying on their back, you'll observe the legs and arms on the left side extending, while the opposite side bends.
6. Standing and Automatic Stepping Reflex:
Even though not yet strong enough to stand, when the baby's feet touch a firm surface, they will extend one foot forward and attempt to step as if walking on the surface. If trying this reflex, mothers should remember to support under the baby's armpits and lift the baby's head extremely carefully.
7. When Exposed to Light, the Baby Squints:
The eyes of a newborn are still in the developmental stage, and this reflex helps protect the baby's eyes from the impact of light. From the second month onwards, the baby gradually adapts to light, dear mothers.
Source: Imperfect Mom
