Fun Reflex In Babies Is Completely Normal

The well-known ” Fun reflex ” is one of the first reflexes that humans exhibit. It scares us sometimes when our children start developing this reflex. Sometimes we even worry when we see the discreet jerks when the baby opens his arms and becomes stiff.

The first thing you need to know is that there is nothing wrong with your baby doing this. This is just an involuntary reflex that disappears when they are about four or five months old.

In this article, we explain more about this Moro reflex to clarify any questions you have.

Why is it called Moro reflex?

The Moro reflex has its name from the Austrian pediatrician who studied it in the early 20th century: Ernst Moro. It is defined as an instinctive reaction that occurs when the child thinks he or she does not have a secure support point or when they undergo a sudden change of position.

They can also make the Moro reflex when they hear unexpected sounds or when they realize they are falling backwards. It is a crucial reflection of the baby’s development of his central nervous system.

The fun reflex is closely linked to fear and the feeling of threats. It is considered the only fear that is not learned.

How, when and why?

The nervous system (as well as other aspects) is in constant development during the first months of life. It is common to see a series of changes such as crying or the Moro reflex. In other words, involuntary reflexes tell us that the baby is developing normally. 

Those who examine and monitor this type of reflexes are doctors, and especially pediatricians. They confirm whether the baby’s nervous system is developing properly or not.

To do this, they place the baby in a certain position, to trick their brain into giving the response that they want to observe.

A simple test should be performed to confirm or rule out the presence of this Moro reflex in infants. During a consultation, the pediatrician will place the baby over a soft pillow, grab the head, and then briefly simulate that he is releasing it. He will immediately take control of the baby to prevent it from falling onto the pillow.

They do this, to make the baby think that it is losing balance; The Moro reflex is then automatically activated. It is this process that pediatricians want to observe. Warning! Never lift the baby’s body over the pillow, but only slightly off the head to simulate the sensation of a fall.

The baby should give a jerk when they feel they are about to fall. The normal response would be for the baby to move his arms out to the sides with the palms facing up and fingers bent.

The baby will pull its arms back against their body while the fear disappears and it begins to relax. 

This is perfectly normal

Keep in mind that the baby’s brain is still developing. Sometimes the simple dream act can make them feel unbalanced. Sometimes a sneeze can trigger this Moro reflex. If you source them or they experience an unexpected sound, this can also cause their immature nervous system to react this way.

It can be scary for parents the first time they see this reflex as they see their baby stiffen or get a different skin color due to the increased blood pressure. But there is no need to worry as this is quite normal in a child’s development.

It is normal for the baby to cry after experiencing the 5 or 6 second fright. It is extremely important that you make them feel safe and help them relax to avoid prolonged pain.

It is also important to point out that there are babies who experience this Moro reflex even when they are lying and sleeping in their cradle. They will suddenly reach out their arms, become stiff and start crying.

How do you notice the Moro reflex in your baby?

• A frightened expression in the baby’s eyes. The eyes are wide open.
• The baby reaches out his arms with the palm facing up and fingers bent. The reflex is over after a few seconds, the body relaxes and the baby’s arms return to their chest.
• Sudden crying.

What happens if my child does not express this reflex?

If your pediatrician notices that this reflex is absent, they may suspect a disorder of the nervous system. Therefore, they may be able to examine the child for the existence of hemiplegia, some types of paralysis or even a collarbone fracture. If the reflex persists after 8 months, a neurological disorder may also be suspected.

When your child experiences this Moro reflex, try to calm them down. Do not pick them up right away. Pamper them and they will slowly begin to relax. They will relax and feel safe by your side.

You should consult your pediatrician if you think your child is exhibiting the Moro reflex continuously. But remember: The Moro reflex is a primary reflex that shows the normal development of a newborn’s central nervous system. It disappears when they are about 4-5 months old.