Newborns and movement

As the newborn emerges from the cosy warm dark safety of the mother’s womb, the senses are suddenly bombarded by stimuli from birth. Newborns naturally respond with reflexes like holding a finger placed in their hand (grasp), curling toes if the foot is touched, or sucking a finger touching the mouth. These reflexes are usually tested by doctors after birth and during physical examinations thereafter and include:

  • Natural reflexes
  • Learned control 

Natural reflexes

Specific movements can be identified during the baby’s development process between the three and six months, and include being startled (moro reflex), sucking, grasping, and tonic neck reflex. Sometimes the head turns to either the left or right with the arm on the respective side extending while the arm on the other side bends or curls. Babies stiffen their legs and arms when startled. When food, such as breast or bottled milk, is introduced to a newborn, the baby may automatically move and open their mouths to suck the breast or teat. These reflexive movements are a natural part of growth.

Learning control

Sometimes the movements may appear sharp or without control, and this is because the baby is still learning to control their body’s movements. For this reason, newborns should never be left alone because they are prone to accidents otherwise. Parents can help their newborns learn control by giving them room to move and stretch their bodies. Always give a newborn support in turning and raising the head, especially when holding your newborn.

Parents can assist doctors by being observant of a newborn’s reflexes, when they start and stop, so that any irregularities can be addressed early if necessary.

Caring for your newborn:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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