Question

Which reflex is necessary for feeding?

Answer 1

The sucking and rooting reflexes are essential for a newborn's feeding, helping them locate and suck on a nipple. The grasping reflex ensures the baby maintains close contact with the caregiver. These innate reflexes are critical for an infant's survival and development.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reflex necessary for feeding in newborns is the sucking reflex. This unlearned behavior allows infants to feed properly by sucking on a nipple and is essential for their survival. The sucking reflex is complemented by the rooting reflex, which helps the infant locate the nipple. When a baby's cheek is stroked, they instinctively turn towards the stimulus and begin to suck. This coordination of reflexes ensures that the baby can feed immediately after birth, which is vital for receiving nourishment and thriving.

Another important reflex is the grasping reflex, where an infant will instinctively grasp any object placed in their palm. This reflex enables them to hold onto their caregiver, providing security and maintaining essential physical contact.

In contrast to these innate reflexes, a conditioned reflex like the cephalic phase of gastric secretion gets triggered by the smell, taste, sight, or thought of food in adults, preparing the stomach for digestion.

Answer 2

The reflexes that are important for feeding include:

Rooting reflex: The baby moves toward the source when you touch his cheek or lips. This helps the baby locate the breast or bottle for feeding.

Suck reflex: This reflex is initiated when you place your finger, bottle nipple, or breast nipple in the baby’s mouth.

Tongue thrust reflex: When the tip of a baby's tongue is touched, the tongue will move forward.

Swallowing reflex: Triggered when food or liquid is near the baby's throat.