Newborn Reflexes: Nursing Assessment

Use our Newborn Reflexes: Nursing Assessment form to document and track reflex development easily. Assess newborns and monitor early milestones today!

By Karina Jimenea on Aug 2, 2025.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

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What are newborn reflexes?

Newborn reflexes are involuntary movements that occur in response to specific stimuli. These reflexes are not learned but hardwired into the 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.

Understanding the significance of these reflexes is like deciphering a language the baby speaks in the early days of life. For instance, the Moro reflex, commonly known as the startle reflex, is triggered when the 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 gradually disappear as the baby grows, paving the way for intentional, learned movements. The disappearance of the extrusion reflex in newborns, which causes the baby to thrust their tongue out when their lips are touched, is a positive indicator of normal development.

Newborn Reflexes: Nursing Assessment Template

Newborn Reflexes: Nursing Assessment PDF Template

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How does the newborn reflexes assessment work?

As a healthcare professional, having this document on hand will guide you through understanding a newborn's reflexes. Follow these simple steps to make the most of this printable newborn reflexes assessment:

Step 1: Access the template

You can access the assessment form from this guide. Click "Use template" to open it within the Carepatron app, where you can customize this tool according to your needs. You can also click "Download" to get a free fillable PDF copy of this form.

Step 2: Fill out newborn information

Start by entering the baby’s details at the top of the form. This helps ensure the assessment is specific to the baby's individual development.

Step 3: Review the different reflexes

Take a moment to go over the list of newborn reflexes. Read the description of each reflex so you know what to look for. We’ve also added extra space for any reflexes that may not be included in the form.

Step 4: Reflex assessment

Observe the baby’s reflexes and mark whether each reflex is present or absent. Write down any important details or observations to help complete the assessment.

Step 5: Document the overall assessment

After checking the reflexes, review the results as a whole. This helps you understand the baby’s neurological development and early milestones. You can refer back to the form during future assessments to track progress and compare findings.

When should you perform a newborn reflexes assessment?

It’s important to assess newborn reflexes to ensure proper neurological development regularly. Here are three key situations when a newborn reflexes assessment is crucial:

During routine newborn check-ups

A newborn reflexes assessment is a standard part of the initial examination after birth. It helps you identify any potential neurological concerns early on, ensuring that the baby’s brain and nervous system are developing as expected. Regular assessments give you a baseline to monitor the baby’s progress over time.

If there are concerns about the baby’s development

If a parent or another healthcare provider expresses concern about a baby’s movement, muscle tone, or overall development, you should perform a reflexes assessment. This can help pinpoint any abnormalities that may require further investigation or intervention. Reflexes like the Moro or rooting reflex are great indicators of neurological health, and any issues could signal the need for specialized care.

Following complicated births or medical conditions

After a complicated delivery, such as one involving a prolonged labor, it's important to assess the newborn's reflexes. Some birth interventions can affect the baby’s nervous system, and early assessment can help detect any issues right away. By doing this, you can ensure that any required treatments or therapies are initiated as soon as possible.

Benefits of using the Newborn Reflexes: Nursing Assessment

The newborn reflexes assessment offers the following advantages:

Helps you detect neurological issues early

Assessing newborn reflexes allows you to identify potential problems in the brain and nervous system. Early detection means you can provide timely interventions, improving outcomes for your young patients.

Supports your tracking of developmental milestones

Regular reflex assessments give you a clear baseline for monitoring a baby’s neurological development. This helps you track their progress and address any concerns quickly and effectively.

Improves your communication with parents

Explaining reflex assessments to parents helps you reassure them about their baby’s health. It also allows you to educate them on what to expect and when to seek further medical advice.

Commonly asked questions

Reflexes should be present shortly after birth and continue to develop in the first few months of age. However, the timeline by which a reflex disappears might vary, especially in preterm infants.

Some normal reflexes include the Moro reflex (startle response), rooting reflex (turning the head toward a touch on the cheek), and sucking reflex (automatic sucking when something touches the baby's mouth).

Others include the palmar grasp reflex (baby's hand closes around a finger), plantar grasp reflex (toes curl when the sole is touched), stepping reflex (making walking motions when feet touch a surface), and the tonic neck reflex, also known as the fencing reflex (when the baby's head turns, same-side arm stretches, opposite arm bends).

While some variations are normal, the persistent absence of specific involuntary movements may warrant further evaluation by a healthcare professional.