What are the reflexes in babies? (II)

As we said in the previous article, highlights They are an involuntary muscular reaction and occur in certain types of stimulation. The presence and intensity of a reflex is a very important sign of good neurological functioning or maturation.

Many childhood reflexes disappear as the child grows, although some remain throughout adult life. The presence of an infantile reflex after the age at which it normally disappears can be a sign of brain or central nervous system damage.

Now we will continue with some of the archaic reflections that we have left, to later get fully into the secondary reflections.

• Eyelid: It is a defense movement, which arises when the lids of the eyes are closed, an intense light or a loud noise suddenly appears near the child. This reflex is noticeable from day one.
• Doll eye: when the child's head is moved to one side, the eyes move to the opposite side. This reflex disappears when you establish visual fixation.
• Search: When placing the finger on the baby's cheek, he turns his face in search of the finger and opens his mouth with the intention of sucking it. It appears from week 32 of gestation and occurs up to 6 months of life.
• Prehensile: Both indexes are inserted between the baby's hands, evidencing the correct grasp by the newborn. If it is observed that this grasp succeeds in lifting the child from the crib, strength and muscle tone can be assessed. It is given from the first day.

Now we will start with the secondary reflections (maturing and those that last).

Maturation reflexes:

• In parachutes: the child is held in ventral suspension by the sides and is leaned sharply forward. The baby, to protect himself from the fall, suddenly extends his arms and opens his hands. It can be seen between 6 and 9 months.
• From Landau: the child is observed suspended in a dorsal position. The trunk straightens, the head is raised, and the feet and arms are extended. It appears around 4 months and lasts up to 12 months.

Reflexes that last (into adulthood):

• Flicker: before the eyes contact something or by sudden exposure to bright light.
• Sneeze: when the nasal passages become irritated.
• Yawn: when extra oxygen is needed.
• Cough: stimulation of the airways.
• Nauseous: the person feels nauseous when the throat or the back of the mouth is stimulated.