The Magic Reflection of Newborns: Evolution from instinct to skills

Neonatals showed many amazing instincts in the first months of life, many of which were done by way of reflection. These reflections are unconscious and can occur even without the baby trying. For example, by putting his finger in the mouth of the newborn, he automatically sucks; when he encounters a strong light, he closes his eyes. Some of these reflections will last for months and others will disappear within weeks. Let’s see here what a few common neonatal reflections are and what they mean.Food reflection.The reflection of feeding is an important act in helping newborns find nipples for feeding. When you touch the baby’s cheek or mouth, he automatically turns his head in the direction of touch. This reflection exists from birth and is the nature of the baby’s search for food. In the early stages of breastfeeding, the baby moves around the head and tries to locate the nipples. Over time, this reflection gradually translates into intentional behaviour, and the baby moves its mouth more precisely to the nipples and finish sucking. Retroactive feeding usually disappears a few months later, when the baby has learned to express hunger in a more flexible way.Suck reflection.Sucking is one of the most basic survival reflections of newborns. This reflection exists even before birth, and images of fetus sucking fingers may be seen in ultrasound examinations. After birth, when nipples and nipples enter the baby’s mouth, he naturally begins to suck. The process is divided into two stages: the first stage, when the baby wraps its lips around the euphoria and squeezes its breasts with its tongue and jaw to obtain the milk; and the second stage, when the tongue moves from the euphoria to the nipple to help the milk flow. Suck-reflection, which requires coordination with breathing and swallowing, is not easy for newborns and may be less skilled at first. However, with practice, the skills will be progressively developed.Frightened reflection.Fright reflection is an extremely performing response. When a newborn child’s head suddenly moves, falls backwards or is frightened by loud voices, he quickly stretches his arms, legs and neck, and then closes his arms together, and may even be accompanied by cries. This reflection is most evident in the first month of the baby ‘ s life, usually beginning to fade after two months and eventually disappearing in a few months.Sword positions reflect.Sword-shooting is another unique reaction for newborns. When the baby’s head turns to one side, his arms on the other side will stretch straight, while his arms on the other side will bend, as the swordsmen pose. This reflection is not always easy to observe, as its performance is delicate. Such a reaction may not occur if the baby is disturbed or crying. Usually, this reflection disappears when the baby is five to seven months old.Grab the reflection.The capture of reflection is one of the instincts common to newborns. When you touch the baby’s palm, he’ll grab your finger and even show amazing grip. If you touch the soles of his feet, his toes will be curly. This reflection was particularly strong during the first days of life, but the baby could not be fully controlled and could suddenly be released. The grip of reflection usually disappears a few months later.Step-reflectionStep reflected is a very interesting reaction. If you put your hands under the baby’s armpit and put his feet on the ground, he moves his feet in turn, like walking. Although newborns are unable to support their weight, this reflection reflects their inherent ability to move. After birth, they can even “crawl” to their mother’s breasts through this instinct. This reflection usually disappears after two months, but re-emerges when the baby learns to walk around one year of age and becomes a conscious act.These reflections of newborns are not only a survival instinct but also a basis for subsequent skills development. Parents can see the growth of the baby by observing these reflections, and they can feel the wonders and beauty of new life as they interact with the baby. As the baby grows, these reflections will gradually translate into conscious behaviour and prepare them for adaptation to the world.