What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Does your baby startle at every sound? Struggle with tummy time no matter what you try? There might be a neurological reason many healthcare providers never check for: retained primitive reflexes.

In this episode, we're uncovering the hidden developmental issue that can impact everything from crawling to reading to emotional regulation—and most parents have never even heard of it.

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Reflexes are automatic neurological responses present from birth (or even in utero) that serve specific survival and developmental purposes.

Examples you've seen:

• Rooting reflex - Baby turns toward touch on cheek to find breast/bottle
• Moro reflex - Baby startles at loud noises with arms flinging out

THE KEY: These reflexes are meant to integrate (disappear) by specific ages. When they don't, they become "retained reflexes" and can cause significant developmental challenges.

What Causes Retained Reflexes?

Most common cause: Inadequate tummy time and missing typical developmental milestones.

Why? Because movements INTEGRATE these reflexes into the nervous system.

The baby gear problem: Walkers, jumpers, reclined seats, and excessive car seat use PREVENT the natural movements needed for reflex integration.

3 Key Reflexes Every Parent Should Know:

1. ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) - "Fencer's Pose"

When it appears: 13 weeks after conception
Should integrate by: 6-7 months

What it does:

• Helps baby move down birth canal (acts like corkscrew)
• Develops eye-hand coordination
• Builds corpus callosum (brain hemisphere bridge)
• Develops vestibular system (balance)

This is the #1 reflex linked to reading challenges.

2. STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)

When it appears: 6-9 months
Should integrate by: 9-11 months

What it does:

• Develops near and far vision (head up = far vision, head down = near vision)
• Develops binocular vision (using both eyes together)
• Helps baby get into quadruped (hands and knees)
• Allows upper and lower body to move independently

3. Moro Reflex - "Startle Response"

When it appears: 9-12 weeks in utero
Should integrate by: 4-6 months after birth

What it does:

• Helps baby take first breath via adrenaline release
• Responds to sudden stimuli (loud noises, bright lights, sudden touch)

Why Movement Is the Answer:

Movement is the ultimate driving force of brain health and growth.

• Movement causes nerve cells to multiply and strengthen connections
• Children with more physical activity consistently outscore less-active children on academic tests

Listen to this episode if you want to learn what to do if you suspect your child has retained reflexes.

Coming soon: Retained Reflexes Course with specific exercises and activities for older children

Resources Mentioned:

📥 FREE Ultimate Baby Motor Milestone Checklist

🎧 Episode 2: Birth to Independent Sitting

🎧 Episode 3: Crawling to Walking

🎧 Episode 5: Why Crawling Matters

📧 WeeThrive Weekly Newsletter (get updates on upcoming courses)