Rooting Reflex

What is the rooting reflex?

The rooting reflex is an automatic action healthy newborns have that helps them latch onto your breast or a bottle to begin feeding. You can see that reflex if you gently touch the corner of your baby’s mouth or face with your hand or a nipple. Your baby should automatically turn toward that touch and open their mouth with their tongue on their bottom lip.

Also known as the root reflex, this is one of the newborn reflexes, or primitive reflexes, babies should have when they’re born. Your baby uses this reflex to latch onto a nipple so they can feed. Your baby needs to do this to survive, which is why it’s hardwired into their nervous system. That’s how they know how to do it without learning.

When does the rooting reflex develop?

A fetus develops the rooting reflex around 32 weeks of gestation. That’s why babies usually have the reflex when they’re born.

When does the rooting reflex disappear?

The rooting reflex should go away by the time your baby is 4 to 6 months old. It goes away as the frontal lobe of your baby’s brain develops and takes over movement control. That makes newborn reflexes like the rooting reflex or Moro (startle) reflex disappear.

What’s the difference between my baby’s rooting reflex and sucking reflex?

The rooting and sucking reflexes aren’t the same, but they’re related. The rooting reflex is the first step for feeding. It makes your baby turn in the right direction to feed.

The sucking reflex is the second step. It happens when something touches the roof of your baby’s mouth. Your baby’s nervous system processes that feeling as a sign to start sucking so they can feed.

The sucking reflex during breastfeeding happens in two stages.

1. Your baby will place their lips around your areola, the circular area of skin around your nipple. Your nipple will be far back in your baby’s mouth when they squeeze your breast between their tongue and the roof of their mouth. That forces (expresses) milk out.
2. Your baby’s tongue will move from your areola to your nipple to begin nursing (milking).

Your baby’s sucking reflex coordinates your baby’s breathing with swallowing. And even though the sucking reflex is instinctive, it’s not easy. Your newborn has to learn how to suck, breathe and swallow all at the same time. But with a little practice, they’ll usually get the hang of it.

How do I know if my baby’s reflexes are developing correctly?

Healthcare providers will do a neurological exam, including checking your baby’s reflexes, right after they’re born. Your baby’s pediatrician will also check reflexes when looking for developmental milestones at well checks.

It’s a good idea to talk to your baby’s pediatrician if you notice:

• Newborn reflexes that disappear earlier than expected
• Newborn reflexes that don’t disappear when they should
• Newborn reflexes that suddenly return

If your baby still has their rooting reflex at 4 months to 6 months old, don’t panic. It could just be them developing at their own pace. But if you have questions about your baby’s newborn reflexes, talk to your baby’s pediatrician. They can let you know if there’s any reason for concern.

What if my baby is born premature?

Premature (preterm) babies, especially those born before 32 weeks of gestation, might not have a rooting reflex, or it might be weaker. A fetus develops reflexes at specific times based on cues they get inside your uterus. Babies born prematurely don’t get those cues, so they might not develop reflexes as expected. And if your baby doesn’t have reflexes like the rooting and sucking reflex, they might not be able to feed like they should.

Babies born prematurely need specialized care, like in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). And if your baby is born early and doesn’t have the reflexes they need to feed, it’s understandable to feel anxious or scared about what that means for them.

Early on, your baby will likely need tube feeding to make sure they get the proper nutrition. Healthcare providers will also use sensory stimulation to help your baby develop their rooting and sucking reflexes. As those reflexes develop, your baby should find it easier to eat. Providers will also help you learn what your baby needs and how you can support their growth.

Does the rooting reflex mean a baby is hungry?

Yes, it can mean your baby is hungry. Babies will often show you signs they’re hungry, like the rooting reflex and other cues. Some of those cues include:

• Making sucking noises or motions
• Using their mouth on their own hands or objects
• Clenching their hands into fists on their torso

If you don’t feed your baby when they use their hunger cues, they’ll tell you in ways that are harder to miss, like crying. Learning your baby’s hunger signs before they start crying can help keep your baby — and everyone around them — more comfortable.