Describe at least four (4) infant reflexes and discuss how these might prepare the child to survive in the post-birth world. Why do most of these reflexes disappear during infancy?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Perhaps the most important reflexes that enhance the infant's chances for survival are
1 . rooting, where the baby turns the head and mouth toward a stimulus that strokes
the check, chin, or corner of the mouth?
2 . sucking, where the infant will suck on almost anything that touches the lips?
3 . Moro, which is a startle reflex that occurs due to sudden changes of position or
loud noises? and
4 . grasping or palmar, where the infant will grasp objects that touch the palm of the
hand
Each of these reflexes aid in survival. The infant must learn to suckle or it will die. The
rooting reflex allows the infant to position the head and mouth in such a way that
breast- or bottle-feeding is possible. The sucking reflex takes over once the nipple has
touched the mouth. The Moro reflex is very important. The infant could be startled by
loud noises, sudden movements, and other environmental circumstances that could be
dangerous. Lastly, the grasping reflex helps the child to learn to grab objects, which
allows for experimentation with the world, eventually feeding oneself, and even using
the hands to pull oneself into a standing position. All in all, newborns are quite
competent.