What Is Rooting Reflex?
Rooting reflux is neonatal reflux that starts immediately after birth and lasts about four months. Rooting reflux is an involuntary reflex that helps identify the nipple and helps their bottle feed.
This rooting reflex is beneficial in the first stages of life until the baby reaches four months of age. The rooting reflex happens when the baby's mouth touches the corner of the skin or nipple. Then, the baby identifies the nipple and tries to suck, which helps feed.
What Are Neonatal Reflexes?
Neonatal reflexes are involuntary reflexes that are developed after birth. Reflexes are responses to muscle reactions. The proper development of reflexes is a sign of normal function of the nervous system. Some of these reflexes may disappear in a few weeks or a few months. If these reflexes are not disappeared, it is a sign of nervous system damage. Therefore, it is essential to observe the neonatal reflexes.
What Are the Other Neonatal Reflexes?
Few reflexes are developed soon after birth. However, the following are the reflexes that are supposed to be observed.
-
Stepping.
-
Sucking reflex.
-
Rooting reflex.
-
Palmar grasp.
-
Moro reflex.
-
Tonic neck reflexes.
-
Plantar reflex.
Stepping Reflux:
The stepping reflex is holding the baby and allowing the baby's feet to touch the surface (be careful to keep the neck of the baby properly). The baby may not stand or bear weight, but this reflex helps the baby to crawl. This reflex starts at the time of birth, disappears at two months, and reappears in the later stages when the baby is around one year old.
Moro Reflex:
Moro reflex, otherwise called the startle reflex, usually develops at the time of birth and lasts for two months. For example, if the baby's head suddenly falls backward, the baby will extend the arms and legs and bring the components together later. This Moro reflex is more prominent at one month of age and slowly starts disappearing at the end of two months of age.
Tonic Neck Reflex:
The tonic neck reflex is an involuntary response of the neck. It starts at birth and lasts for five to seven months of age.
Grasping Reflex:
The grasping reflex is seen soon after the birth. The infant tries to grasp the finger, which is involuntary, and the baby has no control over this reflex. This reflex lasts for five to seven months of age.
When Does Rooting Reflex Develop?
The rooting reflex is an involuntary reflex that happens spontaneously and is developed at around 36 weeks of pregnancy. This rooting reflux is poorly designed in premature babies but should be fully developed in fully matured babies. That is the reason sometimes premature babies may need a feeding tube for feeding. This is essential and primitive reflux. Because of this reflex, the baby starts sucking milk. Lack of or poor sucking reflexes will result in a risk of poor nutrition and various other complications. These reflexes are essential in the first few weeks or months of life. The rooting reflex means that the baby is hungry, including sucking fingers and shirts, sticking the tongue outside, and sucking their lips and tongue.
If the baby is doing a lot of rooting despite getting proper nourishment, get an opinion from the pediatrician about using a pacifier to satisfy the urge.
How to Check for Rooting Reflexes?
The following are a few ways to check whether the baby's rooting reflex is correct.
-
One will observe quick sucks followed by fewer slow sucks.
-
One can also notice the slight movement of the infant's lower jaw.
-
One can also hear soft, dull sounds when the baby is sucking.
-
Will not cause any harm to mother.
How Is the Rooting Reflex Different From the Sucking Reflex?
The rooting reflex is the reflex that helps the baby to get ready for sucking. Both reflexes serve different purposes, but both reflexes are essential in their way. The rooting reflex is a continuation of the sucking reflex.
What Triggers the Rooting Reflex?
At the first visit to the doctor, the doctor will check for the neonatal reflexes, including the rooting reflex, because these reflexes are the signs of brain or nervous system development. For example, the straightforwardly rooting reflex triggers that when one strokes the baby's cheek near the corner of the mouth, the baby will turn its head in the direction of the finger and start opening its mouth and making sucking noises, which means the baby is looking for the source of food, either breast or the feeding bottle.
Suppose the baby does not show any signs of a rooting reflex. In that case, One can also train the baby to stimulate the reflex. For example, if one turns in the opposite direction while feeding, try to turn the face closest to oneself. Slowly turn the infant to the breast and tickle the baby's lips with the nipple. The baby then extends his mouth wide and tries to latch the nipple, making it easier for the baby to feed.
When to Visit a Doctor?
If one has any doubts about the baby's ability to attain any indications, visit a physician right away.
One should be able to explain the signs of the child and what made one to visit the doctor. The following are the things to be considered.
-
If the rooting reflex fades away after three months and returns at a certain age, it is a matter to be concerned about.
-
Baby rooting behaviors lasts for more than six months.
-
Both the signs mentioned above can be delayed developmental milestones or any defect in the nervous system.
Conclusion
Rooting reflux is neonatal reflux that starts immediately after birth and lasts about four months. Rooting reflux is an involuntary reflex that helps identify the nipple and helps their bottle feed.
This rooting reflex is beneficial in the first stages of life until the baby reaches four months of age. It is a matter to be concerned about. Baby rooting behaviors last for more than six months. Consult a pediatrician as early as possible.
