Which reflex describes a newborn turning toward a touch on the cheek, opening the mouth, and seeking the nipple?

Which reflex describes a newborn turning toward a touch on the cheek, opening the mouth, and seeking the nipple?

• A. Sucking Reflex
• B. Rooting Reflex
• C. Grasping Reflex
• D. Moro Reflex

Answer: (B)

Rooting reflex is an innate newborn response that helps with feeding. When the cheek or mouth area is touched, the baby turns toward the touch, opens the mouth, and searches for a nipple. This coordinated action makes it easier for the infant to latch on and feed. The other reflexes describe different responses: the sucking reflex is the automatic sucking when something touches the lips or inside the mouth, not about turning toward a touch; the grasping reflex is the automatic curling of the fingers around an object placed in the palm; the Moro reflex is a startle response with the arms and legs flinging outward. So the described sequence—turning toward the touch, opening the mouth, and seeking the nipple—best fits the rooting reflex.

Rooting reflex is an innate newborn response that helps with feeding. When the cheek or mouth area is touched, the baby turns toward the touch, opens the mouth, and searches for a nipple. This coordinated action makes it easier for the infant to latch on and feed. The other reflexes describe different responses: the sucking reflex is the automatic sucking when something touches the lips or inside the mouth, not about turning toward a touch; the grasping reflex is the automatic curling of the fingers around an object placed in the palm; the Moro reflex is a startle response with the arms and legs flinging outward. So the described sequence—turning toward the touch, opening the mouth, and seeking the nipple—best fits the rooting reflex.