The rooting reflex in babies is one of the primitive reflexes, which help them transition smoothly into the new environment outside the womb. All reflexes are controlled by the central nervous system (CNS) and are triggered only by the right stimulus. Be it holding the finger or sticking the tongue out; these reflexes are critical tools to assess a baby’s nervous system function and overall development (1). Learn more about the rooting reflex, its significance for babies, and why the absence of rooting reflex is cause for concern.
What Is A Rooting Reflex?
Rooting reflex is an involuntary response triggered when the corner of the baby’s mouth is touched or stroked. In response, the baby turns the head towards the direction of the touch, opens the mouth, and thrusts the tongue out. It is a primitive motor reflex that helps a baby find their food, i.e., breast or bottle nipple. The reflex may also trigger when the baby’s cheeks are stroked (2). Initially, a baby may search for the stimulus (the nipple) by moving their head side to side, turning towards the nipple, and then away from it. Once breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is established in three to four weeks, they turn and find the nipple easily (3).
Other Primitive Reflexes
Babies have the following newborn reflexes apart from the rooting reflex.
Sucking reflex Moro or startle reflex Palmar grasp reflex Stepping reflex Plantar reflex Tonic labyrinthine reflex Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) Symmetric tonic neck reflex (STNR) Galant reflex Parachute reflex
When Does Rooting Reflex Appear?
The rooting reflex develops in the womb around 28 weeks of pregnancy (4). It means it is present at birth in all babies. Some premature babies may have an underdeveloped or absent rooting reflex. In such cases, the mother may guide the baby towards the nipple during breastfeeding.
How To Test For Rooting Reflex In Babies?
You may test for rooting reflex by gently stroking the corners of the baby’s mouth. You may also stroke their cheeks. The baby will turn their head in the direction of the touch, open their mouth, and stick their tongue out as if ready to feed (4).
How Is Rooting Different From Sucking?
Both rooting and sucking reflexes are essential for a baby to feed; however, they serve different functions. The rooting reflex helps the baby find the nipple, and the sucking reflex helps them ingest the milk. The rooting reflex starts when the corners of the baby’s mouth are stimulated, while the sucking reflex is activated when the nipple touches the baby’s palate (roof of the mouth). Once the nipple touches the baby’s palate, they begin feeding. The sucking reflex temporarily suspends breathing during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airways. The reflex initiates in the womb at the 32nd week and needs about 36 weeks to manifest fully (5).
How Long Does Rooting Reflex Last?
The rooting reflex lasts for up to four to six months. By this age, the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex develops, causing reflex inhibition. Instead, babies begin to voluntarily turn their heads towards the food source without searching for it.
Does The Rooting Reflex Indicate Hunger?
A baby may be hungry if they display a rooting reflex when the corners of their mouth are stroked with fingers (6). However, it may not accurately indicate hunger in all babies. It is good to note and ascertain the other hunger cues before initiating feeding. Here are a few notable signs of hunger in babies (7) (8).
Sucking action or noise Putting fists or other objects in the mouth Tightly holding the fists over stomach or chest Smacking the lips Opening and closing the mouth Stretching and flexing arms and legs often
When To Seek Help?
Consult a pediatrician if the rooting reflex persists beyond the age of six months. The persistence of the reflex may suggest problems with reflex integration, a process where higher brain centers inhibit primitive reflexes and turn them into voluntary actions (9). Several neurological issues, such as cerebral palsy and trigeminal cranial nerve dysfunction, may lead to the persistence of the rooting reflex (4). The baby may also display the following signs of possible neurological issues.
Protrusion of the tongue, leading to swallowing difficulties Excess drooling due to poor mouth control Speech problems Uneven gait Increased muscle tone (hypertonia) or decreased muscle tone (hypotonia) Delay in achieving developmental milestones
The pediatrician may ask you to wait for a couple of weeks if the baby has no other developmental delay and is overall healthy. If the doctor suspects a possible neurological issue, relevant diagnostic steps and treatments may be suggested.
