# Newborn Reflexes: Startle, Rooting, Grasp and When They Fade

> What the startle, rooting, grasp, fencing and stepping reflexes look like and when each usually fades.

Stage: newborn - Topic: Play and development - Page: https://www.askcladle.com/guides/newborn/newborn-reflexes

Grounded in: AAP HealthyChildren ("Newborn Reflexes") and standard newborn examination guidance used in pediatric and nursery care. Summarized in Cradle's own words; none of these sources endorse Cradle. General information, not medical advice.

Reviewed: 2026-11

## TLDR

- Startle, rooting, sucking and grasp reflexes are built in and fade over the first months as movement becomes deliberate.
- The startle reflex is usually gone by 4-6 months; it's why swaddling or a hand on the chest can help.
- Mention a missing or one-sided reflex. Rhythmic jerking that doesn't stop when you hold the limb may be a seizure: call 911.

## Why reflexes matter

- Newborns arrive with built-in automatic movements. They help with feeding and protection, and
  checking them is part of every newborn exam.
- As the brain matures, most fade over the first months and are replaced by deliberate movement.
  The ages below are typical ranges; individual babies vary.

## The main reflexes

- Startle (Moro): a sudden noise, movement or feeling of falling makes the baby fling arms and legs
  out, open hands, then pull arms back in, often with a cry. Strongest in the first month; usually
  gone by about 4-6 months. It's why many babies wake themselves and why swaddling or a hand on the
  chest can help (see the swaddling guide).
- Rooting: stroke the cheek or corner of the mouth and the baby turns toward it with an open mouth,
  searching for a feed. Useful for latching. Fades around 4 months as feeding becomes voluntary.
- Sucking: anything touching the roof of the mouth triggers rhythmic sucking. Present from late
  pregnancy; premature babies may have a weaker or less coordinated suck at first.
- Palmar grasp: press a finger into the palm and the baby grips tightly. Fades around 5-6 months, when
  deliberate reaching and grabbing take over.
- Plantar grasp: press the sole below the toes and the toes curl. Lasts until about 9-12 months.
- Tonic neck (fencing): when the head turns to one side, the arm on that side stretches out and the
  other arm bends up by the head. Fades around 5-7 months.
- Stepping: hold the baby upright with feet on a flat surface and they make walking movements.
  Usually gone by about 2 months. It returns as real walking much later.
- Babinski: stroke the sole from heel to toe and the big toe goes up while the toes fan out. Normal
  in babies, often until 1-2 years.

## Other normal newborn movements

- Jittery or trembling chin, arms or legs, especially when crying or cold, which stop when you hold
  the limb gently.
- Sudden jerks while falling asleep (sleep starts).
- Sneezing, yawning, hiccups and gagging are reflexes too.

## Fun, gentle ways to notice them

- Let the baby grip your finger during a feed or diaper change.
- Watch the fencing pose when the baby turns to look at you.
- No need to test reflexes repeatedly; it can be upsetting, especially the startle.

## Reflexes and development

- Reflexes fading on time is one sign the nervous system is maturing. The pediatrician checks them at
  well visits.
- Premature babies often follow their adjusted age (see the preemie guide).

## When to check in

- Mention at a checkup if a reflex seems missing, much weaker on one side, or still strong well past
  the usual range, or if one arm moves less than the other, which can follow a stretched nerve or a
  collarbone injury at birth.
- Rhythmic jerking that doesn't stop when you hold the limb, with staring, lip smacking or color change,
  may be a seizure; call 911.