Babies are born with a remarkable range of instinctive movements known as reflexes. These aren’t just cute quirks—they’re signs of a healthy nervous system and help your baby adapt to life outside the womb.
Here are five you might notice during those early days:
1. The Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)
If your baby suddenly throws their arms out wide and then pulls them back in, as if startled, you’ve seen the Moro reflex in action. It often happens in response to loud noises or quick movements and usually fades around 2 months old.
2. Rooting Reflex
Touch your baby’s cheek, and they’ll turn their head towards the touch with an open mouth. It’s their way of seeking a food source and helps them begin to feed.
3. Palmar Grasp Reflex
That adorable moment when your baby wraps their fingers around yours? It’s a reflex! The palmar grasp is strong in the early days and often surprises parents with how tight it can be.
4. Stepping Reflex
Hold your baby upright with their feet touching a flat surface and they may make a stepping motion. It looks like walking but is just a temporary reflex that fades within the first two months.
5. Tonic Neck Reflex (Fencer’s Pose)
When your baby turns their head to one side, the arm on that side stretches out while the other arm bends—like a little fencing pose. This reflex is part of their early motor development and fades by 5-7 months.
These tiny movements are a big part of early development and so special to capture. In newborn photo sessions, I often spot these reflexes in action—and they always feel like a little glimpse into just how clever your baby already is.
Newborn Photography in East Grinstead
Newborn photo shoots are best when your baby is between 5 and 10 days old—this is when they’re at their sleepiest and curliest, perfect for capturing those beautifully serene images. To ensure you don’t miss out, I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant—we’ll set a provisional date for a week after your due date and adjust if needed once your baby arrives.
Your session takes place in my warm and cosy studio in Crawley Down, designed for your baby’s comfort. The shoot is relaxed, unrushed, and includes three digital images of your choice, all for £95. There’s no sales session—just a private online gallery where you can view and select your favourites at your own pace.
