The rooting reflex is one of the earliest reflexes babies use to feed. When you gently stroke a newborn’s cheek, they turn toward the touch and open their mouth. This is normal in infancy and helps them find the breast or bottle. As the brain matures, this reflex should fade so higher motor and speech systems can take over. When the rooting reflex stays active beyond infancy, it can create challenges because the head and mouth are still being pulled into that early feeding pattern. This limits h

Did you know babies are born with special reflexes that help them survive and grow? 💙 From rooting and sucking (to find milk) to grasping your finger or even stepping when held upright — these reflexes are vital signs of healthy brain and nerve development. Most of them disappear as your baby’s nervous system matures, making way for new motor milestones 🧠✨ Thank you @pathwaysorg for this clear and educational breakdown of early baby reflexes! Follow @littlehealthmatters for more children healt