Assessing neuromuscular status in infants is crucial.
Top Infant Reflexes to Know
1. Babinski Reflex
Age Range: 0 to 12 months
Description: Toes fan out when the sole or bottom of the foot is stroked.
2. Rooting or Sucking Reflex
Age Range: 0 to 4 months
Description: Sucking motion occurs when the side of the cheek or mouth is stroked.
3. Tonic Neck Reflex
Age Range: 0 to 4 months
Description: When placed on the back, the infant turns their head to one side, flexes the arm on the opposite side, and extends the arm the same direction they are facing.
Clinical Examples:
A 9-month-old is expected to still show the Babinski reflex.
Reflex assessed by stroking the outer sole of the foot: Babinski.
Rooting reflex assessed by stroking the cheeks of the newborn.
The tonic neck reflex involves an infant flexing the arm on the opposite side to which the head is turned.
Additional Reflexes
4. Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)
Age Range: 0 to 4 months
Description: In response to a loud noise or sudden movement, the infant stretches out their arms and legs, then pulls them back.
5. Stepping Reflex (Walking/Dancing Reflex)
Age Range: 1 month+
Description: Seen when the baby is held upright or lightly touches the ground, resembling a walking or dancing motion.
6. Palmer Grasp
Age Range: 0 to 3 months
Description: Infants grasp any object placed in their palm.
7. Plantar Grasp
Age Range: 0 to 8 months
Description: Similar to the palmer grasp but involves curling toes around an object placed under them.
Muscle Tone
Normal Muscle Tone: Healthy muscles are never fully relaxed; infants typically have increased muscle tone and resist extremity movement.
Abnormal Muscle Tone:
Hypotonia: Decreased muscle tone that must be reported to the healthcare provider.
Head Lag: May indicate neurological abnormalities such as Down syndrome or spinal injury.
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