Newborn reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements babies are born with, and are signs of a healthy nervous system.
Common ones:
Rooting– turns head toward touch on the cheek, opens mouth.
Sucking– automatically sucks when something touches the roof of the mouth
Moro (startle)– throws arms out, then pulls them back in, often with a cry, in response to a sudden noise or feeling of falling
Palmar/plantar grasp– curls fingers or toes tightly around something pressed into palm or sole
Babinski** – toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked
Tonic neck (fencer pose)– turns head to one side, arm on that side extends, opposite arm bends
Stepping– makes stepping motions when held upright with feet touching a surface
Most of these fade within a few months as the brain matures and voluntary movement takes over usually by 4-6 months, though Babinski can persist up to age 2.