The Moro reflex is the first primitive reflex to emerge in infants and plays a critical role in their survival and development.
Here are all the benefits of the Moro reflex:
- Helps Infants Take Their First Breath: The Moro reflex activates right after birth, which helps the infant take their first breath and begin the process of survival.
- Protects Infants from Dangerous Stimuli: The Moro reflex causes physical and behavioral responses in the infant, such as pulling away or crying, that help protects them from dangerous stimuli and help them withdraw from a threatening situation.
- Triggers Caregiver Response: The infant’s reaction to the Moro reflex triggers a caregiver’s response, who provides comfort and support to the infant. Without the Moro reflex, the infant might not have the necessary protection from dangerous stimuli, and the caregiver might not respond to the infant’s distress in time. This could be dangerous for the infant’s survival.
- Indicator of Healthy Development: Observing the presence and integration of the Moro reflex in the first few months of life is crucial in ensuring that the infant is developing properly and is a key indicator of healthy development.
- Facilitates the Transition to Mature Reflexes: At approximately four months, the Moro reflex will start to integrate and the more mature Startle and Grasp reflexes will develop. This transition is crucial for the infant’s overall development and helps facilitate their growth and progression.
To summarize, the Moro reflex is an essential primitive reflex for infant survival and development. By observing the presence and integration of the Moro reflex, parents can ensure that their infants are developing properly and provide them with the necessary support and care.
To learn more about the Moro reflex and exercises you can implement in therapy sessions, the classroom, and at home, check out our book here.
An Interactive Guide to the Moro Reflex
A hands-on instructional guide offering parents and providers an invaluable tool for integrating therapeutic exercises into a child’s natural environment and compassionately understanding the developmental challenges related to it.
Are you a parent looking to support your child’s development? Check out our online course, How to Support Your Child’s Development at Home.
How to Support Your Child’s Development at Home
An Accessible Guide to Primitive Reflex Integration
