Types of Reflexes

Developmental psychologists have identified the capacities of infants with the help of observations. Infants have many types of reflexes. The newborn baby represents a set of capacities. Doctors have identified the capacities of newborn babies with the help of APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace Activity and Respiration) test. An infant’s reflexes play an important role related to identifying the developmental process at birth.

Some capacities of the infant. They are:- Reflexes, States of arousal, and sensory Capacities. Reflexes are the innate (inborn) pattern of behavior. Reflexes are also known as automatic responses. According to developmental psychologists, some reflexes have provided survival values. An infant’s rooting reflex (survival behavior) helps a breastfeeding baby find the nipple of the mother. The rooting reflex will be activated when an infant is hungry and some reflexes are complex motor skills that will develop later.

The stepping will be developed later. The stepping reflex develops in later life. Seven types of reflexes in child development. They are eye blink, rooting, moro, palmar grasp, tonic neck, stepping, babinski reflex.

All types of reflexes with responses

• Eye Blinking Reflex   Eye blinking is a permanent reflex in human life. The infant has quickly closed eyelids and it is an automatic behavior after some time with the repeating process. Reflex blink occurs by external stimulus. An infant’s blink is different from adult.
• Rooting Reflex   It is an inborn reflex and the infant’s head turns toward the source of stimulation. This reflex disappeared in 3 weeks. And rooting reflex is most important for feeding-related to survival. In this example, the infant’s head turns toward the stimulus (finger) for sucking.
• Moro Reflex   In Moro reflex, infants make “embracing motion” by arching back. This reflex disappears after 6 months. Three components of Moro reflex. They are:-
  • Spreading out the arms
  • Pulling the arms
  • Crying
• Palmar Grasp Reflex   In this process, the infant’s fingers flex reflexively around the object, and in this situation grip is a full strong but unpredictable process. This reflex disappears after 3-4 months. With the help of the palmar grasp reflex, developmental psychologists identified the strength of motor development.
• Tonic Neck Reflex   It is also known as fencing posture reflex. This reflex disappears after 4 months. In this posture, the infant’s head is turned on one side and stretches the arm.
• Steeping Reflex     It is also reflex and the infant lifts one foot after another in stepping response. This reflex disappears after 2 months. It is also known as the startle reflex.
• Babinski Reflex    In this reflex, toes fan out and curl as the foot twists in. Babinski reflex disappears between 8-12 months.

Key Points of   different  types of Reflexes

• If reflexes occur at the right time, it is a sign of good development for a child.
• Some reflexes are innate and some develop later.
• Developmental psychologist uses the reflex pattern in the clinical setting.
• Some reflexes disappeared after a certain amount of time.

See Also

Factors Affecting the Prenatal Development