Present from birth in full-term babies, the Moro reflex disappears in the first months of the child’s life. Its absence or its persistence must always raise questions. What is this reflex? Answers with Pr Romain Basmaci, head of the pediatric service at Louis-Mourier hospital in Colombes.
From birth and up to 4 months, Moro’s reflex or kissing reflex is triggered in babies automatically or involuntarily. The newborn spreads his arms out, then brings them together when he is subjected to a sudden extension of the neck. This reflex, which we also have as adults when we fall, indicates that the baby has a good sense of balance. It disappears with age and can affect baby’s sleep. Later, it will be replaced by the startle reaction that one can have when one is surprised or frightened. Professor Romain Basmaci, head of the pediatrics department at the Louis-Mourier hospital in Colombes, tells us more about this phenomenon.
What is the Moro reflex?
The Moro reflex is one of the six archaic reflexes (or primary automatisms) of the newborn. According to the pediatrician, it consists of trigger a limb extension reflex following an extension of the neck of the newborn. When the child is born, it is noticeable when the doctor will lift the baby’s head by taking him by the shoulders, which will take him off the work surface and throw him slightly backwards.
“The newborn will have the reflex to extend its four limbs, open its hands and cry out, then it will tighten its arms as if to hold on. This movement can also be triggered when the newborn hears an unusual noise, feels like he is falling, or feels pain. It is natural and totally normal“, explains Professor Romain Basmaci.
“The newborn will have the reflex to extend its four limbs, open its hands and cry out, then it will tighten its arms as if to hold on”
When does the Moro reflex disappear?
“The Moro reflex, like the 5 other archaic reflexes of the newborn, are reflexes of the primitive brain of the child. They must be present from birth in all children born at term and disappear within the first 2 to 4 months of life.says the doctor.
“The Moro reflex disappears within the first 2 months of the baby’s life.”
What to do when the Moro reflex prevents baby from sleeping?
The Moro reflex can occur during baby’s sleep if something surprises him: a noise, a light or a moving person. Taken by surprise, it can wake up the child and even theprevent you from sleeping. To prevent this from affecting the quality of his sleep, swaddling can be a good solution if baby needs it during his naps. On the other hand, it is not recommended to use this technique for the night, because among other things of the risk of suffocation if the diaper comes undone.
Should we be worried if baby does not respond to the Moro reflex?
“These reflexes are important because they are part of the first elements of evaluation of the brain development of the newborn“, says the pediatrician. Their absence at birth should raise suspicion of a neurological problem or a developmental problem. The same applies if it persists beyond the age of 5 months.
Thanks to Professor Romain Basmaci, head of the pediatric department at Louis-Mourier hospital in Colombes.