Final answer:
Newborn reflexes such as the rooting reflex, grasping reflex, and Moro reflex are crucial for a newborn's survival as they help in breastfeeding, maintaining close contact with caregivers, and protecting against falls respectively. These reflexes, indicators of normal brain development in newborns, typically disappear as the baby matures.D) All of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
Newborns are equipped with a series of inborn reflexes that are crucial to their survival. The Newborn Reflexes and Their Importance for Survival rooting reflex is observed when a baby's cheek is stroked, and in response, the baby turns its head towards the stimulus and begins to suck. This reflex helps with breastfeeding as it aids the newborn in finding the nipple. The grasping reflex is demonstrated when something touches the baby's palm, and the baby instinctively grasps it. This may promote survival by ensuring the baby maintains close contact with a caregiver, preventing falls and fostering physical bonding. The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, occurs when a baby senses a sudden loss of support, spreading their arms and then pulling them back in, usually followed by crying. This reflex could have allowed a falling baby to reach out and be caught by their caregiver.
These reflexes are present in healthy newborns and are indicators of normal brain development, usually disappearing around 4 to 6 months of age as the baby matures. Together, they support the infant in feeding, establishing parental bonds, and avoiding harm, which are all critical to the infant's survival in the early stages of life.