{"id":26119,"date":"2024-11-25T18:00:19","date_gmt":"2024-11-25T18:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/?p=26119"},"modified":"2025-08-26T14:10:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T14:10:00","slug":"moro-reflex-innate-mechanism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/blog\/newborn\/moro-reflex-innate-mechanism\/","title":{"rendered":"Moro reflex: understanding this innate mechanism"},"content":{"rendered":"

At birth, your baby already has many reflexes<\/strong> (no fewer than 70!) that guide them in this new world, outside their mother\u2019s womb. Among these reflexes: the grasp reflex, the automatic walking reflex, and\u2026 the Moro reflex<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Moro reflex: here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Moro reflex<\/h2>\n

Among your newborn\u2019s reflexes, known as primitive reflexes<\/strong>, the Moro reflex is certainly one of the most surprising<\/strong>. Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n

Primitive reflexes<\/h3>\n

Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses<\/strong> present from birth in newborns. In practice, babies are \u201cprogrammed\u201d<\/strong> to react in very specific ways to certain situations.<\/p>\n

These primitive reflexes are essential for maturation and motor development<\/strong> because they help establish connections between the brain and the body<\/strong>. Among them are the sucking reflex<\/strong> (which helps the baby feed), the grasp reflex<\/strong> (which makes them tightly grip an object that touches their palm), and, of course, the Moro reflex<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What is the Moro reflex?<\/h3>\n

The Moro reflex is one of these primitive reflexes.<\/p>\n

This reflex is an involuntary response observed in newborns when they experience a sudden stimulus<\/strong>, such as a loud noise or a quick movement. When triggered, the baby extends their arms and legs, opens their hands, and then brings their limbs back toward their body<\/strong>, often accompanied by crying. This reflex is a sign of the development of their nervous system.<\/p>\n

The Moro reflex prepares your baby to respond to changing environments<\/strong> and helps them develop muscle tone<\/strong> and postural abilities. Although this reflex may seem alarming to parents, it is completely normal and fades as the nervous system develops<\/strong> and motor skills improve. By helping your baby react to external stimuli, the Moro reflex supports sensory maturation and development<\/strong>, laying the foundation for future voluntary movements and better motor coordination.<\/p>\n

Causes and triggers of the Moro reflex<\/h2>\n

The Moro reflex is a natural reflex<\/strong>, but it can be triggered by different environmental stimuli<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Here are some common examples:<\/p>\n