Newborn reflexes  are involuntary movement that babies make when part of their body is stimulated. These reflexes help identify  normal brain and nerve activity.  Some reflexes  vanishes within weeks while others remain with the baby for months.
 

Some of the newborn reflexes

Sucking reflex : It is a survival reflex which is present even before birth. During pregnancy, you may have seen your baby sucking her thumb during an ultrasound. A newborn sucks when a  nipple or finger is placed in her mouth.

Rooting reflex : This reflex prompts the newborn to turn her head towards your hand if you stroke her cheek or mouth. It helps her find the nipple during feeding time. This reflex disappears around 4 months of age.

Palmar grasp : This newborn reflex is what causes a newborn to grasp a finger that is placed in her palm. The grasp will be so strong but note that the baby has no control over it and may let go suddenly. This should disappear within 5 or  6 months.

Startle ( moro ) reflex : This is a more dramatic reflex during the first weeks of life. This causes a startled newborn to throw out her arms and spread  her fingers.  This newborn reflex is present in varying degrees in babies. It peaks during the first month and disappears after 2 months.

Tonic neck reflex : This is sometimes known as the fencing posture. When a newborn’s head turnS to one side, the corresponding arm and leg extend. The opposite arm and leg flex. Tonic neck reflex goes away around 5 to 7 months.

Step reflex : A baby appears to take steps and walk when she is held upright with her feet touching a solid surface. This newborn reflex diapers after month 2 and recurs towards the end of the first  year when the baby starts learning to walk.

Galant reflex or Truncal incurvation : When the side of the infant’s spine is stroked or tapped while the infant lies on the stomach, the baby will twitch her   hips toward the touch in a dancing movement.

Babinski reflex : This newborn reflex occurs when  the  sole of the foot has been firmly stroked,the big toe bends back toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out.

Newborn reflexes fades between 2 months and 1 year as the brain matures.