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You are here: Home / Newsletter / 20 Week / Read your Baby’s Reflexes

Read your Baby’s Reflexes

November 24, 2006 by Paul Banas Leave a Comment


When babies are born, they exhibit certain reflexes. These reflexes are used by a pediatrician to tell if your baby’s central nervous system is functioning properly.


Check your baby for the following reflexes:



  • Moro: This is also known as the ‘startle reflex.’ Babies demonstrate this response by throwing out their arms to the side, and then pulling them back in and clenching their fists. Babies typically display this response in reaction to something that startles them, such as a loud noise or being handled suddenly.


  • Rooting: This reflex helps the newborn to find food. The baby turns in response to a touch on the cheeks by moving towards its source and moving the head from side to side until the mother’s breast is found. By about three weeks, they are able to connect to the breast without searching for it.


  • Stepping: Here, babies move a foot forward in front of the other, in response to being held erect with their soles touching a flat surface. This response is given up by the time babies are about two months old. It then reappears when the baby is about a year old.

Let your pediatrician know if your baby does not show these responses or if they are slower than they should be.


Filed Under: 20 Week

About Paul Banas

Paul Banas is happy married dad of two great kids living in San Francisco. He writes now about kids, new technology and how the two interact for GreatDad.com and for Pregnancy Magazine (pregnancymagazine.com) where he is also the publisher.

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Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

Decoding Dad’s Mental Load with Zach Watson
byPaul Banas

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, guest Zach Watson dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of “mental load” in modern partnerships and parenting. Zach, known for his educational and relatable takes on invisible labor in relationships, shares how the mental and emotional workload disproportionately impacts women—often in ways that go unrecognized by men.

Whether you’re struggling with household challenges, feeling disconnected from your partner, or just want to strengthen your role as a dad and partner, this episode is for you. 

Check out Jim’s website at zachthinkshare.com

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