What is the Moro Reflex?

The Moro reflex, also called the startle reflex, is a normal reflex that babies are born with. It helps protect babies when they feel startled or think they are falling. The Moro reflex is linked to the body's inner ear system. This helps with balance and movement. When a baby is startled, it can cause a three-step response.

Your baby may:

1. Stretch their arms out.
2. Bring their arms back in toward their body.
3. Cry.

This reflex helps the body prepare the baby to react quickly. This is known as the "fight or flight" response. It also helps protect babies during the first few months of life. As babies grow and their brain and nervous system develops, this reflex usually fades, or integrates, by about 6 months of age.

What Does It Look Like When the Moro Reflex Does Not Fade?

If the Moro reflex does not fade, a child may react to everyday things as if they are stressful or unsafe. This can cause the body to stay on high alert more often than expected.

This may look like:

• Being more aware of sounds, lights, movements, or touch.
• Motion Sickness.
• Feeling worried or nervous (anxiety).
• Having a hard time calming down after stress.
• Mood swings.
• Having a hard time getting along with others or handling feelings.
• Acting without thinking (impulsivity).
• Trouble focusing or paying attention.
• Having a hard time with change.

How Can You Help Your Child?

Work with your child’s Occupational Therapist (OT) to make a plan that is right for them. This plan will include simple exercises and activities to do at home. Practice is very important. Doing these activities regularly can help your child improve their skills. This will help the Moro reflex fade over time.

Exercises and Activities to Help Moro Reflex Fade

Your child’s OT will show you activities and exercise to do at home. They will talk with you about how often and how long to do each one based on your child’s needs.