Classification Of Reflexes In Babies

There are a series of automatic movements made by babies called reflexes. These can be classified into various types. Next, we explain the most common ones.

From birth, children begin to perform certain innate movements in order to adapt to the environment, survive and protect themselves. These are the so-called reflections, which can be categorized into various types. Therefore, in this article we are going to explain the classification of reflexes in babies.

Healthy babies, as they grow, develop a series of psychomotor skills. Thus, at first, the movements carried out by the little ones are the consequence of reflex actions and are not intentional. But, gradually, they are acquiring the ability to control bodily actions.

What are reflexes in babies?

Reflexes are organized patterns of behavior that are performed in response or reaction to external stimuli. These movements occur in the following way:

• Innate.
• Involuntary.
• Automatic

Most of the reflexes disappear with age; usually in the first 6 months, when voluntary control of the body increases. Although there are others that are maintained and perfected throughout life.

In this sense, it must be taken into account that the permanence of a reflex in a baby after the age at which it must cease can lead to the existence of brain damage or problems in the nervous system.

Classification of reflexes in babies

As we have said before, there are different types of reflexes in babies, which are classified according to the moment of appearance and disappearance of these actions. Thus, reflections can:

• Appear at birth and transform into voluntary movements months later.
• Disappear forever in the first months of life.
• Disappear shortly after and reappear months later voluntarily.
• Appear around birth and last for life.

Reflexes that appear at birth and transform into voluntary movements months later

• Search reflection. When one of the baby’s cheeks is caressed, he moves his head and turns his mouth to that side. This reflex becomes a voluntary action at 3 or 4 months.
• Suction reflex.  When an object or a finger is inserted into the baby’s mouth, it begins to suck, so that at 3 or 4 months this reflex is transformed into a voluntary movement, necessary for feeding.

Reflexes that disappear forever in the first months of life

• Palmar and plantar pressure.  When pressure is applied with the finger or with an object in the palm of the hand or on the sole of the baby’s foot, the baby will curl the fingers and flex them downward. This reflex disappears between 3 and 4 months.
• Moor reflection.  When a sudden change is made in the child’s position, he reacts by extending his arms, opening his hands, bending his back and returning to the starting position. If the moro reflex does not disappear after 4 or 6 months, it means that there may be an alteration in the central nervous system.

• Babinski reflex.  If the sole of the baby’s foot is stimulated, it reacts by flexing the thumb and spreading the rest outwards. This action usually disappears around 8 or 9 months.
• Tonic-cervical reflex.  When the child’s head is turned to one side, he extends his arm and leg in that direction, while flexing his limbs on the other side. This reflex disappears after 3 or 4 months.
  

They disappear after a short time and reappear months later voluntarily

• March.  When the newborn is held and held upright on a straight surface, its response is to perform the automatic walking motion. This reflex disappears after 2 or 3 months, but is learned voluntarily months later, when the child begins to take the first steps.

• Ascension.  eBaby, faced with an obstacle, raises his foot and flexes his knee. This reaction occurs up to 2 or 3 months and then is learned as a voluntary act.
• Crawling  Up to 4 months, babies can automatically coordinate their arms and legs to crawl. In the crawling phase, this movement reappears, but it is carried out consciously.

Reflexes that appear around birth and last throughout life

• Patellar  Babies, shortly after birth, if they are hit under the kneecap, they extend the leg forward. This is a reflection that remains throughout life.
• Reflex cough. Coughing is an automatic reaction to some stimulus in the airway.
• Sneeze reflex. Sneezing is a reflex that is carried out from the first months of life in order to expel some discomfort in the nasal passages.