Which newborn reflex is primarily involved in feeding and is present at birth?

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Multiple Choice

Which newborn reflex is primarily involved in feeding and is present at birth?

Feeding in newborns relies on reflexes that directly drive mouth actions. The sucking reflex is triggered when something touches the baby's lips or inside the mouth, and the infant automatically makes rhythmic sucking movements to draw milk. This action is present at birth and is the primary mechanism enabling milk intake, so it best fits the description. The rooting reflex helps the baby locate the nipple by turning toward a touch near the mouth, which supports feeding but is not the direct sucking action. The Moro reflex is a startle response and isn’t related to feeding, while the palmar reflex involves grasping with the fingers and has no role in feeding.

Feeding in newborns relies on reflexes that directly drive mouth actions. The sucking reflex is triggered when something touches the baby's lips or inside the mouth, and the infant automatically makes rhythmic sucking movements to draw milk. This action is present at birth and is the primary mechanism enabling milk intake, so it best fits the description.

The rooting reflex helps the baby locate the nipple by turning toward a touch near the mouth, which supports feeding but is not the direct sucking action. The Moro reflex is a startle response and isn’t related to feeding, while the palmar reflex involves grasping with the fingers and has no role in feeding.

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