--- title: "Newborn Reflexes and Behaviors" slug: "newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors" updated: 2025-07-03T16:14:31Z published: 2025-07-03T16:14:31Z canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://healthhub.cpcmg.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Newborn Reflexes and Behaviors ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/image-SMTBVKVI.png) [![Appointment Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1650055438388-1650055438388.png)](/v1/docs/appointments-and-contact-information) [![Care Decision Info](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/1654467115781-1654467115781.png)](https://www.rchsd.org/wait-times/what-type-of-care-does-my-child-need/)

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 This article provides answers to some common questions asked about normal newborn noises, reflexes and behaviors. Click below to directly jump to the topic that relates to your question for advice. 1. [Normal newborn reflexes](/docs/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors#normal-newborn-reflexes) 2. [Normal jitteriness when crying](/docs/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors#normal-jitters-or-trembling-when-crying) 3. [Normal sleep movements and noises](/docs/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors#normal-sleep-movements-and-noises) 4. [Normal breathing sounds and noises](/docs/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors#normal-breathing-sounds-and-noises) 5. [Normal (but Scary-Sounding) Newborn Breathing Patterns](/docs/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors#normal-but-scarysounding-newborn-breathing-patterns) 6. [Normal digestive sounds](/docs/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors#normal-digestive-sounds) ## Normal Newborn Reflexes ### Startle Reflex (also called the Moro reflex or embrace reflex) - The **startle reflex** is common in **newborns**. You may see: - The baby’s body suddenly **stiffen** - Arms **straighten** and hands **open** - A short **cry** may follow - This reflex usually happens after a **loud noise** or **sudden movement**. Most babies grow out of this reflex by about **4 months of age**, though it may last a little longer for some. ### Tonic-Neck Reflex (also called the fencer’s reflex) - The **tonic-neck reflex** happens when your baby’s **head turns to one side**. You might notice: - The **arm and leg** on that side **straighten** - The **opposite arm and leg** bend - This reflex usually fades away by **4 months of age**. ![Newborn Reflexes](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors-image-yvy864gk.jpg) Source: [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/newborn-reflexes.aspx](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/newborn-reflexes.aspx) ### Feeding reflexes - **Rooting Reflex** - The **rooting reflex** helps babies find food. When the side of your baby’s **cheek or mouth** is gently touched, they will: - Turn their **head** toward the touch - Open their **mouth**, ready to **nurse or eat** - This reflex is **normal** and usually goes away by about **6 months of age**. - **Sucking Reflex** - Babies have a strong **sucking reflex**. They will suck on **anything placed in their mouth**—even if they just finished a feeding. - This is normal and doesn’t always mean your baby is **hungry**. - The sucking reflex usually fades between **6 and 12 months of age**. ### Protective Reflexes - **Sneezing** - This clears the nose of irritants like dust, tobacco smoke, fragrances. - At this age, it is not caused by an allergy or illness. - **Coughing to clear lower airway** - **Blinking** - After spending 9 months in darkness, newborns have light-sensitive eyes. - At first, they prefer to keep their eyes closed. - They blink often with light exposure. - **Chin Trembling** - **Lower Lip Quivering** - **Jitters or Trembling** --- ## Normal Jitters or Trembling When Crying - It’s **normal** for babies to have some **trembling** or **jitters** in their arms and legs, especially when they’re **crying**. This usually goes away by **1 to 2 months of age**. - Normal jitters usually **stop** when: - You give your baby something to **suck on** - You gently hold or touch the **shaky area** - If your baby is **jittery when not crying**, it could be a sign of something else. - Many parents worry about **seizures**, but these are **rare** in newborns. Signs of a seizure include: - **Muscle jerking** - **Blinking of the eyes** - **Sucking movements** of the mouth (not related to feeding) - No **crying** during the episode - Movements that **don’t stop** when you try to comfort or hold your baby --- ## Normal Sleep Movements and Noises ### Noises during sleep It’s **normal** for newborns to make **noises while sleeping**. - If your baby makes a sound or lets out a small **cry**, you can check on them. - Most of the time, they do **not need to be picked up** unless they are **crying** or seem **upset**. - Babies often let out a quick **squeak** or **whimper**, then go back to sleep. - During **light sleep**, babies may **groan**, **cry**, or make **gurgling sounds**. You might also hear: - **Tummy noises** as food moves through the **stomach and intestines** - **Throat noises** from saliva or small amounts of fluid ### **Movements During Sleep** Newborns may also move around a lot while they sleep. - It’s common to see **jerks or twitches** in the **arms**, **hands**, or **legs** - These movements usually last **just a few seconds** and often happen soon after the baby falls asleep. - Movements that happen only during sleep are usually normal, even in older babies and children. --- ## Normal Breathing Sounds and Noises The noises described below do not cause difficulty breathing. ### Throat Noises Newborns often make **gurgling noises** in their throat. These sounds happen when **air moves through saliva** or **milk that comes back up** from the stomach. - These sounds are more common during **sleep.** - Over time, babies learn to **swallow more often**, and the noises happen less Sometimes babies make a **loud, high-pitched sound** when breathing in. This can be normal if your baby is **breathing comfortably** and seems **happy and calm**. If the noise **doesn’t go away** or your baby looks **uncomfortable**, contact your baby’s **primary care provider**. ### **Nose Noises** Most **nasal sounds** are caused by **dried mucus** in the nose — not a cold. - It’s common for babies to sound a little **"snorty"** at birth - **Tobacco smoke** or other air irritants can make nasal stuffiness worse If your baby is **breathing and feeding normally**, no treatment is usually needed. But sometimes, **stuffed nasal passages** can make it hard for your baby to feed well — since babies need to **breathe through their nose** while eating. You can help by using **saline nose drops** to gently clear the nose **before feeding**. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors-image-h9c8zp12.png) ![You Will Need](https://cdn.us.document360.io/a196e2c1-0707-4b9f-8164-e8201c779cd7/Images/Documentation/newborn-reflexes-and-behaviors-image-th3jb4j2.jpg) Source: [https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/suctioning-the-nose-with-a-bulb-syringe](https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/suctioning-the-nose-with-a-bulb-syringe) ### Sneezing **Sneezing** is **normal** in newborns. It helps **clear the nose** and keep the airways open. Sneezing can also happen because of: - **Tobacco smoke** - **Dust** - **Strong smells** like perfumes or cleaning products ### Hiccups **Hiccups** are also **normal** in babies. - Many babies had **hiccups before birth**, and it’s common to see them afterward too - Some babies **hiccup after every feeding** - Hiccups don’t usually bother babies, and there’s **no need to stop or treat them** --- ## **Normal (but Scary-Sounding) Newborn Breathing Patterns** ### **Periodic Breathing** - Sometimes, newborns have short **pauses in breathing** that last **less than 10 seconds**. - This is called **periodic breathing** and is usually **normal** if your baby is **comfortable** and breathing fewer than **60 times per minute**. - These pauses often stop by the time your baby is **1 month old**. ### Transient Rapid Breathing - Your baby may sometimes take quick, deep breaths. This helps **fully open the lungs**. - It’s normal if the breathing **slows back to normal** within about a minute. ### **Seesaw Breathing** - In some newborns, you may see the **chest go inward** while the **belly pushes out** during breathing. - This is called **seesaw breathing** and happens because babies have a **soft rib cage**. ### **Yawning and Sighing** - Newborns often **yawn** or take little **sighs**. These sounds help them **open up their lungs** and are a normal part of breathing. - This can happen off and on and helps your baby open their lungs. --- ## Normal Digestive Sounds ### Burping and Passing gas - **Burping** and **passing gas** help your baby release **swallowed air**. These are **normal**, do **not hurt**, and are a part of life at all ages. ### **Hiccups** - **Hiccups** are also normal, and often happen after your baby eats. They do **not cause pain** or bother babies. ### **Burping and Spitting Up** - For **breastfed babies**, try burping when switching **between breasts.** - For **bottle-fed babies**, burp after every 1-**2 ounces.** - Some babies are easier to burp than others — that’s normal. - Hold your baby **upright** while burping in case a little milk comes up (that’s okay!). - Burping may cause a small **spit-up**, which is **normal.** ### **Passing Gas and Pooping** Babies often: - Have **gassy tummies** that make **gurgling or growling noises** - **Pull up their legs** and **grunt or push** when pooping — this is their body learning how to **digest food** - Pass gas that might **smell bad** — this is **normal** - Poop every time they eat, or skip a few days (especially breastfed babies) As long as your baby is **peeing**, **pooping**, and **feeding well**, you usually don’t need to change your diet (if breastfeeding) or switch formulas. --- ## Call Your Doctor If: - Your baby’s **jittery movements are getting worse** as they get older or happen when your baby is **calm**. - Jerky movements happen when your baby is **awake**, or they last **more than 10 seconds.** - Your baby is **breathing very quickly,** their **skin or lips turn blue,** or their **ribs or chest suck in with each breath.** - Your baby has **white-colored stool** or **blood** in their stool. - Your baby has **hard pellet-like poop.** - Your baby looks **distressed** - Your baby starts looking or acting sick - Your baby starts looking or acting abnormal in any way - You think your baby needs to be seen - Or if you have any concerns. This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education materials Reviewed by: JJ M.D., CPCMG newborn committee, AR D.O. | 06/2025 reflex, reflexes, newborn reflex, normal newborn, newborn, newborn behavior, newborn sleep, newborn movements, newborn breathing, newborn stomach sounds, newborn feeding, baby reflex, baby newborn, baby, baby behavior, baby sleep, baby movements, baby breathing, baby stomach sounds, baby feeding