top of page

Newborn Reflexes: Rooting, Sucking, and Swallowing

Welcome! If you’re a new or expecting parent, you might be curious about those amazing reflexes that help newborns eat and thrive. Today, I’ll be diving into three key reflexes: rooting, sucking, and swallowing. Understanding these reflexes can help you feel more confident about feeding your baby and recognize when something might be off.


baby in pink outfit, wrapped in a blanket, rooting toward the blanke
A hungry baby will root towards anything that touches its face.

Rooting Reflex: The Hunt for Food


The rooting reflex is your baby's natural way of finding food. When you gently stroke your baby's cheek or the corner of their mouth, you’ll notice they turn their head and open their mouth. It’s as if they’re saying, “Where’s my meal?” This reflex, a natural part of your baby's development, is strongest during the first few weeks and helps your baby locate the breast.


Pro Tip: A hungry baby will root towards anything that touches its face. If you’re trying to feed your baby, make sure your breast touches their face first - not your fingers, bra, or blouse!


Baby wearing a pink headband, sucking on her thumb
Sucking on hands and fingers is very comforting for babies.

Sucking Reflex: Sustenance and Comfort


When something enters your baby's mouth (a finger, nipple, or pacifier), the sucking reflex kicks in. This reflex allows your baby to suck and draw milk from the breast. You might notice your baby practicing this reflex even when they’re not feeding. Don’t be surprised if you see your little one sucking on their hands or fingers – it’s very comforting for them and great practice for feeding time!


Pro Tip: For the first few months, a baby will instinctively suck on almost anything that enters its mouth. Sucking on a bottle does not necessarily mean a baby is still hungry.


Swallowing Reflex: Can you Hear it?


After your baby sucks and milk fills their mouth, the swallowing reflex takes over. This reflex is a coordinated movement of the tongue and throat muscles. Listen closely and you'll hear rhythmic, gulping sounds or little "kah" or "puh" sounds as your baby swallows the milk. It's important to note that this reflex is not just about swallowing but also about coordinating breathing and sucking. A newborn's first big job is learning to coordinate the "suck, swallow, and breath" pattern.


Note: If your baby makes clicking noises while feeding or seems to struggle with swallowing, something is likely off. Check their latch, listen for swallows, and consult with a lactation expert.


Putting It All Together


Rooting, sucking, and swallowing are interconnected. These reflexes work together to make feeding a seamless and natural process for your newborn. Here’s a simple sequence to remember:


  1. Rooting: Your baby turns their head and opens their mouth.

  2. Sucking: They latch onto the breast or bottle and begin to suck.

  3. Swallowing: They swallow the milk they’ve sucked.


A mom nurses twins in laid-back feeding position
Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, comfort is key.

Tips for Smooth Feeding

 

  • Stay Calm and Patient: Feeding might take some practice for both you and your baby. Remember, patience is needed in this journey.

  • Find a Comfortable Position: Ensure you and your baby are comfortable. Comfort is key whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

  • Look for Hunger Cues: Rooting is a hunger cue. If you see your baby rooting, it’s time to feed!


Newborn Feeding Reflexes - When to Seek Help


While these reflexes are natural, sometimes babies need a little extra help. If you notice any of the following, it's time to seek advice from a lactation expert:


  • Difficulty latching or staying latched.

  • Excessive fussiness or crying during feeds.

  • Poor weight gain or concerns about milk supply.


Understanding these reflexes and how they work will help you feel more confident when feeding your baby and recognize when to seek help. Remember, every baby is unique, and with some practice and patience, you and your little one will find your rhythm.


You're not alone in this; I'm here to help!





16 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page