Reflex Time: The Grasp Reflex and the Sucking Reflex
When your baby comes into the world she is equipped with a set of reflexes that help her cope with the world.Hands
Newborns' fists are clenched most of the time, and they have virtually no control over their hands. The hands are now goverened by the grasp reflex, which makes them grasp a toy or finger you place in his hand. At some point, the muscles relax and the object falls - this is completely unintentional and without awareness.Eyes
The eye muscles are also weak: newborns can track moving objects with slow, jumpy movements.
Milestones
- Has well-developed sucking reflex.
- Can track slow moving objects.
- Has no control over hands; movement is controlled by reflexes
Tiny Tips
- During the first month, when you talk to your baby, move your head slowly from side-to-side, so that she will track your movements.
- Move colorful toys and objects from side-to-side to strengthen her eye muscles.