Stepping Reflex in Babies

What Is a Stepping Reflex?

The stepping reflex is a neonatal reflex in newborns that starts soon after birth and lasts for two to three months. 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.

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 do not disappear, 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.

1. Sucking Reflex: The sucking reflex is an involuntary reflex that happens spontaneously and is developed at around 36 weeks of pregnancy. This sucking reflux is poorly developed 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 an important 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. It is very important to observe babies' milestones and reflexes for their proper and healthy development. Sucking is not a simple process. It occurs in two steps, that is the baby at first holds the nipple in between the tongue and roof of the mouth, and in the second step, the infant will start sucking by moving the tongue up and down, by this way using reflexes the baby starts expressing the milk.

2. Stepping Reflex: 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.

3. Rooting Reflex: Rooting reflux is neonatal reflux that starts immediately after birth and lasts about four months. The rooting reflex 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.

4. Moro Reflex: Moro reflex, otherwise called the startle reflex, usually develops at the time of birth and lasts for two months. If the baby's head suddenly falls backward, the baby will extend the arms and legs and bring the arms 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.

5. Tonic Neck Reflex: The tonic neck reflex is an involuntary response of the neck. When the neck turns in any direction, the baby automatically extends its hands and bends the opposite hand in a fencing posture. One may not observe this response when the baby cries or shows irritable behavior. The reflex starts at the time of birth and lasts for five to seven months of age.

6. Grasping Reflex: The grasping reflex is seen soon after birth. When a gentle stroke is given to the baby's hand, the baby tries to grasp the finger, which is an involuntary reflex, and the baby has no control over this reflex. And the baby loses the grip immediately. This reflex usually lasts for five to seven months of age.

7. Plantar Reflex: The plantar reflex is one of the important reflexes that develop soon after birth and last for three to four months. The plantar reflex is triggered when the sole of the foot is stimulated.

What Are the Few Reflexes That Last till Adulthood?

Few reflexes stay till adulthood. They include:

• The blinking reflex is seen in the child when the child closes their eyes when something comes very close to their eyes when a bright light is seen.

• The coughing reflex is seen when the airway tract is stimulated.

• The gag reflex is seen when the roof of the oral cavity is stimulated or when the throat is stimulated.

• The yawn reflex is observed till adulthood, when the brain requires more oxygen.

• The sneeze reflex is also seen in adulthood when the nasal cavity is irritated.

What if the Stepping Reflex Does Not Appear or Appears to Be Weak?

Stepping reflex is noticed soon after birth, along with a few other neonatal reflexes, and lasts for two to three months and disappears, and may reappear in the later stages of life depending on the weight bearing.

Conclusion:

The stepping reflex is one of the most important reflexes that is very important in developing future milestones such as crawling, walking, and standing. It is essential to observe the child very carefully and notice all the behavioral changes that take place as a parent. If you find any abnormal or delay in behavior, do not neglect or wait. Immediately seek medical help, consult a pediatrician, take the doctor's advice, and follow his instructions accordingly.