Retained Neonatal Reflexes

A reflex is an automatic, quick response your body makes to something — without you even thinking about it. For example, remember the knee-jerk reflex many of us experienced as kids? It’s a classic example of how our bodies respond instantly to a stimulus.
Neonatal reflexes are similar. These are built-in movements newborn babies perform without any conscious control. They help babies survive, feed, and interact with the world during their first few months. They also show that a baby’s brain and nervous system are developing properly.
One well-known example is the Startle Reflex, also called the Moro Reflex. If a baby hears a loud noise or feels like they’re falling, they’ll suddenly throw out their arms and legs — then quickly bring them back in. This reflex plays a key role in helping babies strengthen their extensor muscles (like those in the back and limbs), and it also helps balance out the flexor muscles, which were tightened during their curled-up position in the womb for nearly 40 weeks.
The startle reflex is just one of many that help newborns adapt to life outside the womb. As babies grow and begin to make purposeful, voluntary movements, these reflexes are no longer needed and should naturally fade. In fact, health professionals often check these reflexes to ensure children are meeting their age-appropriate developmental milestones.
But sometimes, these reflexes don’t go away when they should. When that happens, we call them Retained Neonatal Reflexes (RNRs).
What Causes Retained Reflexes?
Retained reflexes may occur when the brain has experienced some kind of trauma — either physical (like a difficult birth), chemical (such as exposure to certain drugs), or emotional (such as early stress or trauma). When these reflexes stick around, they can interfere with a child's development and behaviour.
Common Signs of Retained Reflexes in Children:
•           Anxiety, phobias, extreme shyness, or panic attacks
•           Discomfort with change or new experiences
•           Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
•           Nail-biting, chewing on hair or shirt collars
•           Thumb sucking beyond toddler years
•           Difficulty using cutlery, holding a pencil, or playing instruments
•           Jaw or tongue movements while writing or concentrating
•           Poor balance and coordination
•           Struggles learning to ride a bike
•           Inability to sit still and poor concentration(often described as having “ants in the pants”)
 
…and many more


What to Do If You Suspect RNRs
If you recognise these signs in yourself or your child, you’re not alone — and there are ways to help. To learn more about retained reflexes and how they might be affecting your life, visit our website. You can also book a consultation with one of our chiropractors to see how we can support you or your loved ones in managing these concerns.