Healthy babies are born with basic motor responses, known as newborn reflexes, which help them adapt and survive in a brand new environment outside of the womb. Some of these reflexes are subtle, but the Moro reflex is more apparent. If you find your baby makes jerky movements while being asleep or awake, that is Moro reflex at work.
What is the Moro reflex?
Moro reflex is the involuntary reaction upon being startled that is identified by extension of the arms and legs away from the body and to the side and then by drawing them together as if in an embrace (Merriam-Webster).
You may not get used to it and feel that it is strange at first, but it doesn't bother your baby at all and in fact, it's a sign that your baby is healthy and developing well. Consider the reflexes as your baby's first attempts at protecting themselves and regaining their sense of balance.
The Moro reflex normally disappears around two to six months of age when your baby can support their head. The reflexes are no longer needed once your baby's brain matures and gain better control over their movements. But, the only downside is that your baby can startle themselves awake and may have a hard time settling back to sleep and sometimes may cry a lot too! But not to worry, most babies aren't disturbed by it and fall back to sleep right away.
What causes the Moro reflex?
As everything is new to your newborn, they can get easily surprised or terrified by these unfamiliar sensations and sounds. Here are some of the things that may cause the Moro reflex:
- your baby think they're falling, like when you put them down in the bassinet without enough support
- any unexpected movement - like when you take your baby out of the car seat or you adjust the position of their head
- sudden, loud noises nearby - like the sound of an ambulance wails down the street, a dog's bark or something falls to the floor
- your baby pulls their arms or legs and startles themselves
- very bright lights, especially when they are switched on in a previously dark or dim room
- no specific reason at all, though if it's when your baby is sleeping, they may have been dreaming of falling
How to stop your baby from getting the Moro reflex?
You can't get rid of the reflexes entirely and you wouldn't want to anyway as they are innate just like the rest of the primitive reflexes babies are born with. Nevertheless, here are some ways to prevent your baby from startling awake:
- hold your baby close - be gentle when you pick up or put down your baby and try to support their neck and head with your hand.
- try swaddling - a snug swaddle keeps your little bub's arms and legs waving out so your baby gets to sleep more soundly.
- turn down the noise - try walking lightly and quietly around your baby, especially when he's asleep. You can't contain every sound, but you can minimize it with white noises like the fan until the sound of your home and surroundings become more familiar to your newborn
So what if the Moro reflex doesn't go away? Bear in mind that babies develop at a different pace. If your older baby still has the Moro reflex past 6 months old, do consult the doctor so they can perform a test to find out if there's anything wrong.
Meanwhile, there's nothing to be worried about! Those startles are a good indication of their motor responses, even if your baby sheds some tears. The Moro reflex will be gone before you know it.
