Introduction
The rooting reflex is one of the involuntary primitive motor reflexes that are also known as frontal release reflexes and are mediated by the brainstem. This reflex is initiated when the corner of the infant's mouth is stimulated, by touching or stroking. Routine reflexes are present at birth and last for about four to six months until the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex develops and suppresses primitive motor reflexes.
What Is the Rooting Reflex?
The rooting reflex is an automatic oral action that a healthy newborn makes. The rooting reflex is also known as the rooting reflex. The rooting reflex in infants is the basic survival instinct. This reflex helps babies to find and latch onto the bottle or breast to begin feeding.
Gentle strokes at the corner of the infant's mouth with the nipple should instinctively turn the head towards nursing. Infants should open their mouths and start to make tongue-thrusting and sucking motions. This reflex is a feeding cue during a few weeks of life. This helps babies convey that they are hungry. Persistent reflexes after four to six months may suggest many conditions, like congenital cerebral palsy and autism.
When Does the Rooting Reflex Develop?
The rooting reflex is present at birth. Many newborn reflexes in the baby may develop even before birth. These are involuntary muscle reactions to certain stimulation. Involuntary means that are not in control of the baby. This happens even without the baby trying. This starts when the baby’s brainstem is linked to early development. Other newborn reflexes are:
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Moro Reflex - It is also known as the startle reflex. It is a protective reaction to sudden movement or loud noise. In conditions where abrupt sound startles the baby or their head falls backward and they extend their arms and legs.
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Sucking Reflex - It is a basic survival instinct. When the nipple is inserted into the baby’s mouth they automatically start sucking.
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Tonic Neck Reflex - When a baby’s head turns to one side the arm should extend the hand partly open and the other arm should flex and bend with the fist tightly clenched.
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Stepping Reflex - If the baby is held upright the soles of their feet touch flat surfaces, they should place one foot in front and the other behind as they are walking.
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Babinski Reflex - When the baby’s foot is stroked, the big toe should move upward and the rest of the toes should fan out.
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Grasping Reflex - This reflex occurs when someone strokes the palm of the baby’s hand. The baby should grab the finger and hold on tight and when the finger is placed on the baby's toe they should curl their toes.
What Are the Issues of Concern With the Rooting Reflex?
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The rooting reflex disappears mostly after six months, if the reflexes persist even after the expected resolution period it may indicate congenital cerebral injury.
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Multiple reflexive abnormalities were observed with the rooting reflex and commonly regulated by the frontal lobe.
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Hyperreflexia may suggest neonatal withdrawal after utero exposure to maternal substance abuse like opiate medications and heroin.
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Recurrences of reflexes suggest central nervous system pathologies. This can be related to normal aging or dementia.
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The reappearance of primitive reflexes may be severe as an early sign of neurological dysfunction.
Testing should be performed to detect any type of underlying condition. Early detection of disease can allow providers to plan out prompt interventions and prevent and slow down the progression of the disease.
What Is the Main Difference Between a Baby’s Rooting Reflex and Sucking Reflex?
They are both oral reflexes in feeding. There is a distinct difference between the sucking and rooting reflexes. This happens when the baby’s mouth gets stimulated. The sucking reflex occurs after the rooting reflex. A condition where the nipple touches the roof of the baby’s mouth will automatically begin sucking. Sucking is the only means by which a baby gets the nutrition they need through feeding. The sucking reflex while breastfeeding happens in the initial two stages. This action forces the milk out and is known as expressing milk.
In the second stage, the baby's tongue moves away from the areola and nipple, which begins nursing. These reflexes are responsible for coordinating the baby’s breathing along with swallowing. Even though the sucking reflex is instinctive, it is not easy. By all these reflexes, newborns can learn to breathe, suck and swallow simultaneously.
How to Know if an Infant’s Reflexes Are Developing Correctly?
Healthcare providers will use newborn reflexes, including rooting reflexes, to assess infants' health. The strength and presence of these reflexes are important to see if a baby’s nervous system is developing properly or not. It is important to monitor the baby's reflexes. If any following signs appear, they can indicate problems with the baby's nervous system.
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Newborn reflexes have disappeared before they should.
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Newborn reflexes lasted longer than they should.
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Newborn reflexes go away and abruptly come back.
Consult the pediatrician if any signs or symptoms are worrisome regarding the infant's reflexes and development.
If the mother is concerned about the infant’s reflexes that they are not sucking, rooting, or latching, consult the pediatrician or a lactation consultant, as they can offer guidance and help. When an adult patient presents with a recurrence of primitive reflexes, the provider should order appropriate tests to make a correct diagnosis. These individuals should be informed about the effects of brain damage and treatments that may reverse or slow the progression of the condition.
Conclusion
Newborn’s reflexes are like their personal tour guide that helps them to survive in the initial weeks of life. The rooting reflex is essential as it helps to find breasts or bottle nipples and aids feeding. The pediatrician tests the reflex to make sure they are present and strong. As the babies get older the rooting reflex disappears as they do not need roots to signal the need for food. Every baby is different and this is when the infant loses reflexes, which is specific. Not all babies get the hand of breastfeeding right away.
