Which action demonstrates the rooting reflex in a newborn?

• A. The infant clenches the fists tightly when stroked
• B. The infant extends the arms and legs in response to a sudden movement
• C. The infant closes the eyes and blinks when touched
• D. The infant turns toward the side that is touched

Answer: (D)

Rooting reflex is the newborn’s automatic head-turn toward a touch on the cheek, guiding the baby to locate a nipple for feeding. When the cheek is stimulated, the infant turns in that direction and opens the mouth, making this instinctive search for nourishment clear. This reflex helps with breastfeeding in the early weeks and is typically present at birth, fading over the first few months.

The other described responses belong to different reflexes. A tight fist grasp when the palm is touched is the palmar grasp reflex, where the infant clutches the pressed surface. An arm and leg extension in response to a sudden movement is the Moro (startle) reflex, a sudden, widespread reaction. Closing the eyes and blinking when touched is a protective blink reflex, not related to feeding.