Below is a list of primitive reflexes that infants are born with. Most of these disappear within the first year of life. It is likely that these reflect vestiges from our evolutionary past.
| Reflex |
Description |
| Babkin |
The mouth opens in response to pressure on the palms. |
| Rooting |
The baby turns toward the stimulus if the cheek is stroked. This prepares the child for nursing. |
| Grasping |
The fingers curl around and grasp onto any object that touches the palm. |
| Moro |
When the infant is put down suddenly or startled, the arms and legs extend outward. |
| Stepping |
The feet make stepping movements when the infant is held upright with the feet touching a flat surface below. |
| Swimming |
Babies wave their arms and legs and hold their breath when underwater. |
| Babinski |
When the bottom of the foot is stroked, the foot jerks upward and opens up. |
