Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Info regarding moro reflex
Hello docs... my baby is 7 days old... usually he remains sleeping entire day night... i wake him up two hourly for feeds... but what i have noticed as this is my second baby... he never startles whenever i touch him... or whenever there is any loud noise.... as my first baby used to have jerks n arm movements whenver someone touched her or whenevr she heard any noise...but with this baby i dnt see anything... even loud sound doesnt startle him....even i tried to check his moro reflex by holding his head from back slightly leaving it to check whether he will raise arms or not but he didnt.... is it normal for 7 day old.... when do moro reflexes n startle reflexes start...plzzz help
Answers (5)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
The Moro (startle) reflex is present from birth, so ideally it should be seen in a 7-day-old baby. However, its visibility can vary from baby to baby.
A few important points:
Some babies are very calm or less reactive, so the reflex may not be easily noticeable at home
If the baby is sleepy, well-fed, or handled gently, the reflex may not be triggered
The way we check Moro reflex in hospital is specific — it may not be reliably elicited at home
Next Steps
Reassuring signs in your baby:
Feeding well
Normal movements of all limbs
Good cry
Waking for feeds
If these are present, it is usually not a concern.
Health Tips
When to get baby checked:
Baby is very lethargic or difficult to arouse
Poor feeding
Reduced movements or floppy baby
No response to sound at all
Advice:
Do not try to elicit the reflex forcefully at home (like head dropping), as it may not be safe. Instead, get a pediatric examination once where reflexes can be properly assessed.
Most likely, this is normal variation, but a quick check by a pediatrician will give you complete reassurance.
contact me on practo for further queries
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced orthopedist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+167
I totally understand your concern. Before suggesting treatment, I would like to ask a few questions to ensure the correct management can be provided.
Contact me on Practo or WhatsApp chat.
Contact number: 97012307 two nine
Dr. G. Avinash MBBS, MD (Pediatrics) Fellowship in Neonatology
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Mahak Arora
Pediatrician
10 yrs exp
New Delhi
Every baby is different so kindly don’t compare and avoid doing moro at your own it might hurt so i would suggest you to visit your nearest doctor once
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Venkatesh Badugu
Pediatrician
9 yrs exp
Hyderabad
You cant compare with other baby because each and every baby is different and unique
In deep sleep you can't find startle reflex or moro's reflex
But dont worry its normal only
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.