National University

Faculty of Physiotherapy
3rd Year. Semester 6
Batch ( 12 )

Pediatrics Physiotherapy
Neonatal Reflexes

Lana Satti Osman

0912456667
 Include :
Suckling reflex
Moro reflex
 Grasp reflex
 Rooting reflex
Tonic neck reflex
 Parachute reflex
Stepping or placing reflex
Trunk incurvation
Babiniski
Sucking reflex

• These are present in all

newborn are needed for
feeding
• They can be assessed
during normal feeding
process
• Sucking can be checked by
placing and clean finger the
babies mouth .
Moro reflex

• Buttocks,back and shoulder

of the infant are supported
on one hand and arm (or
on bed) and head on the
other,if head is lowered for
an inch or so arm and leg
are abducted first and then
adducted sudden noise.
• It disappears at 3 – 4
monthes.
Grasp reflx

• For palmar grasp reflex a

finger or pencil on infant
palm between thumb and
forefinger he reflexly
grasp it.
• For planter grasp reflex
press head of metatarsals
there is flexion of toes .
• Diappear at 5-6month.
Rooting reflex

• If light contact is
made with the infant
cheek near the angle
of the mouth he turns
his lips towards that
side
• The reflex disappears
at 3 – 4 monthes
Tonic neck reflex

 Baby should lie in supine

position , when head is
rotated to one side there is
partial extension of the arm
and leg of that side and its
tone is increased
 Flexion of contra lateral leg
my occur
 This reflex disappear at 6
months
Parachute reflex

Suspend the baby

porne and slowly
lower the head
toward a surface
the arms and legs
will extend.
Stepping reflex

• Hold the infant so that

feet lightly touch firm
surface the infant’ feet
move up and down.
• Present in first 4 – 8
week
Trunk incurvation

When back is stroked beside spinal column,

the infant will move hips toward side
stimulated.
 Babinski
Indicating an upper motor neuron lesion, is characterized by extension
of the great toe and by fanning of the remaining toes.
Most newborn infants show an initial flexion of the great toe on plantar
stimulation.
As with adults, asymmetry of the plantar response between
extremities is a useful lateralizing sign in infants and children.