rooting reflex
latching on and sucking breast
The rooting reflex is an automatic response seen in newborn babies when their cheek or mouth region is stroked or touched. It can be seen as early as 28 weeks of gestation and disappears by about 3-4 months of age.
When the baby’s cheek is touched, they will turn their head towards the direction of the touch and open their mouth, as if searching for a nipple to feed on. This reflex is important for newborns to find food and initiate breastfeeding.
The rooting reflex is controlled by the brainstem and is a survival mechanism for newborns to receive the necessary nutrition they need to thrive. Parents and caregivers can use this reflex to initiate breastfeeding or bottle feeding the baby.
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