Newborn Reflexes: Nursing Assessment
Ensure a healthy start for little ones with the Newborn Reflexes Assessment. Download it now for free!
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What are newborn reflexes?
Newborn reflexes are involuntary movements that occur in response to specific stimuli. These reflexes are not learned but hardwired into your baby's nervous system, serving as a fascinating window into their early development. From the moment the baby enters the world, these reflexes play a crucial role in their ability to interact with and adapt to their surroundings.
Nurselabs (2023) identifies the following reflexes: Blink Reflex, Rooting Reflex, Sucking Reflex, Extrusion Reflex, Palmar Grasp Reflex, Walk-in-Place Reflex, Tonic Neck Reflex, Moro Reflex, Babinski Reflex, Reflexes of Spinal Cord Integrity, and Landau Reflex.
In a cross-sectional study of 67 high-risk newborns, those with normal sucking and Babinski reflex responses tended to have favorable birth-related variables, respiratory conditions, and mental status, underscoring the necessity for additional research on primitive reflexes in high-risk newborns to deepen our understanding of their clinical implications (Sohn et al., 2011).
Understanding the significance of these reflexes is like deciphering a secret language your baby speaks in the early days of life. For instance, the Moro reflex, commonly known as the startle reflex, is triggered when your baby experiences a sudden change in position or hears a loud sound. Witnessing those tiny arms and legs fling outward and then drawing back in a protective embrace is adorable and indicative of a healthy system responding to stimuli.
Some reflexes will gradually disappear as your baby grows, paving the way for intentional, learned movements. The disappearance of certain reflexes, like the extrusion reflex, which causes your baby to thrust their tongue out when their lips are touched, is a positive indicator of normal development.
Printable Newborn Reflexes Assessment
Download this Newborn Reflexes Assessment to acquire valuable insights for the well-being of your newborn babies.
What reflexes should be present in a newborn?
- Blink reflex: This is a protective response where the baby rapidly closes their eyes in reaction to a sudden stimulus. This involuntary movement helps shield the delicate eyes from potential harm, such as a sudden burst of light.
- Rooting reflex: The reflex engages the baby in turning their head toward the touch on the baby's cheek, illustrating their instinctual quest for nourishment. It aids breastfeeding by helping the baby find the source of nutrition, and the gentle stroking motion triggers this response. The rooting and sucking reflexes are interconnected and often work in tandem.
- Sucking reflex: Integral to feeding, this reflex involves the baby instinctively sucking on anything that touches their lips. Premature babies may exhibit an immature sucking ability, requiring additional attention and support in fostering successful feeding habits.
- Extrusion reflex: The Extrusion Reflex is characterized by the baby thrusting their tongue out when touching their lips. This reflex, often seen in newborns, gradually disappears as the baby's sucking ability matures.
- Palmar grasp reflex: When the baby appears to be gripping an object placed in their palm, the reflex showcases an instinctive grasp reflex triggered by pressure on the baby's palm. This reflex is considered normal in the early months of life.
- Walk-in-place reflex: The walk-in-pace reflex, also called the walking or dance reflex, involves stepping movements when holding the baby upright with feet touching the surface. Though observed at birth, this reflex diminishes around three months, offering a glimpse into the baby's innate ability to simulate walking movements.
- Tonic neck reflex: The tonic neck reflex manifests as a fencing posture, with the baby turning their head to one side. The opposite arm bends during this reflex while the baby's head turns. This reflex is a normal part of early development, and its presence is typically observed until around six months of age.
- Moro reflex: The baby's moro reflex, often called the startle reflex, manifests as a startle response with a sudden head movement or loud sound. It is an instinctual reaction involving the baby spreading their arms and bringing them back in, suggesting normal neurological development.
- Babinski reflex: This is characterized by the fanning out of the baby's toes when the sole is stroked. This response is normal in infants but is expected to disappear by age one.
- Reflexes of spinal cord integrity: These reflexes involve assessing spinal reflexes and movements, providing insights into the baby's overall neurological development and spinal cord function.
- Landau reflex: Evident when the baby extends their legs when held horizontally; this emerges around three months and may persist for a year. This reflex offers a glimpse into the baby's developing motor skills and body control.
How does the assessment work?
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or healthcare professional, having this document on hand will guide you through the exciting journey of understanding a newborn's reflexes. Follow these simple steps to make the most of this Printable Newborn Reflexes Assessment:
Step 1: Download the template
Start by downloading the assessment template, and if you prefer a tangible copy, feel free to print it for a hands-on experience.
Step 2: Newborn information
Fill in the essential details at the top of the template, including the patient's name, date of birth, and assessment date. This ensures that each assessment is tailored to the baby's unique developmental timeline.
Step 3: Reflex types overview
Take a moment to review the provided overview of newborn reflex types. Familiarize yourself with each reflex's description and example observations, setting the stage for a thorough assessment.
Step 4: Table instructions
Explore the organized table, divided into columns for Reflex Type, Description, Example Observation, Comments or Notes, and Reflex Present Checklist. This structure simplifies the process, allowing you to document and track each reflex systematically.
Step 5: Reflex assessment
For each reflex type, follow the corresponding instructions. Conduct observations and mark the checklist to indicate whether the normal reflexes are present or absent. Utilize the Comments or Notes column to add specific details or observations that enhance the overall assessment.
Step 6: Overall assessment
Once individual reflex assessments are complete, consider the collective findings. Evaluate your baby's neurologic development by reviewing the reflexes and gaining insight into their early milestones.
Following these straightforward steps, the assessment becomes a valuable tool, empowering caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Newborn Reflexes Assessment example (sample)
Discover an example of a newborn reflex evaluation through our sample template, conveniently accessible in PDF form. This demonstrative tool showcases the practical implementation of crucial assessment elements, serving as a visual reference for caregivers and healthcare practitioners.
Get the PDF to acquire valuable insights and cultivate a supportive environment for the well-being of your newborn babies.
Download this free Newborn Reflexes example:
Why use Carepatron as your nursing software?
Starting a career in nursing is impressive and rewarding, and Carepatron is dedicated to helping you succeed. For newborn babies and their developmental milestones, Carepatron is the preferred nursing software. Our advanced electronic health record (EHR) system records and enables you to track them when reflexes occur.
Telehealth services have become essential in healthcare, and Carepatron is leading this transformation. A complete telehealth platform in our nursing software lets you interact with infants and their families remotely. This novel technique allows real-time reflex monitoring and community help.
The dedication to healthcare practice improvement distinguishes Carepatron, your partner in creating an effective newborn nursing care plan. Reflexes are crucial in the early months of age, and our nursing software adapts to the healthcare industry's evolving needs. You're joining a forward-thinking community that recognizes your knowledge and uses technology to improve baby care by selecting Carepatron.
Join Carepatron, where innovation and compassion combine to build nursing's future.
Commonly asked questions
Reflexes should be present shortly after birth and continue to develop in the first few months of life. However, it's important to note that the timeline by which a reflex disappears might vary, especially in preterm infants.
Variations in reflexes are normal, but if you have concerns, consult with your pediatrician for a more personalized assessment, particularly for premature babies.
While some variations are normal, the persistent absence of specific involuntary movements may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare professional.
