From birth, baby makes surprising movements: how can they latch on to the breast only a few hours after being born? Why do they grip our finger?
Definition of archaic reflex
Archaic reflexes are automatic involuntary movements carried out in response to an external stimulus (noise, light, touch,...). As their nervous system is not yet mature, baby is unable to control their movements.
They are therefore indicators of baby's healthy nervous system and motor development and are automatically checked at the first medical visit :)
Some reflexes are even integrated in utero so that baby can turn or flex to be guided toward the exit. These reflexes make baby's movements quite abrupt, but around 3-4 months, baby begins to make voluntary movements (phew)! These primitive reflexes emerge at a certain period to be integrated and disappear, subsequently giving way to new movements.
Let's look at baby's primitive reflexes together:
Sucking
It's no secret, baby automatically sucks as soon as we offer them something to suck on (a breast, a finger, a bottle or a pacifier). This is quite practical because to survive, baby needs to feed and suck milk :) and a pacifier to calm them is also handy. It appears during pregnancy (it is not uncommon to see baby sucking their thumb on ultrasound scans). It disappears around 6 months.
If you are breastfeeding, carrying in a wrap will be very practical so that baby has an easier position to nurse.
Grasping or the gripping reflex
Once indispensable for clinging to the mother, grasping is the reflex where baby automatically grips your finger if you place it in their hand (so incredibly sweet!). This reflex allows the newborn to practice holding objects in their hands and contributes to building the attachment bond. It disappears between 2 and 3 months.
The Moro reflex
You have surely already seen baby spread their legs and arms out like a cross and then bring their arms back to their chest. It is a "defensive" reflex that occurs when there is a sudden stimulus: noise, light, rapid change of position… It disappears around 6 months.
Babywearing allows baby to be reassured much more quickly! Against you, they fear danger less, reassured by your presence, and are in a physiological position where their limbs are already gathered together.
The cardinal points reflex
When you tickle baby's cheek, you see their head turn toward the side stimulated by touch. This reflex facilitates breastfeeding.
The crawling reflex
If baby is on their tummy, they should try to move forward by crawling using their arms and legs, pushing their bottom up. This movement, when on mom, allows them to move toward her breast to feed.
Automatic walking
If you place baby in a vertical position with their feet touching a flat surface, they will automatically make a forward movement, one leg after the other. And even though you see them making these impressive movements, it will be months later before they walk independently!
The fencer reflex or asymmetric tonic neck reflex
A strange name to express that if baby moves their head to one side, the arm on that same side will extend while the arm on the opposite side will bend. It is a reflex that plays an important role in baby's motor development and is a sign of good muscle tone :)
It disappears around 6 months.
The crossed extension reflex
If the sole of baby's foot is stimulated while keeping the lower limb extended, baby should extend their other leg and bring it closer to the stimulated one, as if pushing away "the tickle."
There are many other surprising reflexes such as the survival reflex, but looking for a few of them is enough to confirm baby's healthy development. If they are absent, or on the contrary if the reflex persists, it may indicate a developmental disorder.
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