Start Assessment

Moro Reflex (Startle) — Parent Guide

The Moro reflex is your child’s early “startle + recover” alarm system. It helps newborns take a big breath and call for help. As kids grow, it should fade by 4–6 months. If it lingers, children can seem “always on alert” — jumping at small sounds or lights, feeling overwhelmed, or melting down after surprises. Here’s how to recognize it and support calmer, steadier reactions.

Friendly note: These ideas support everyday learning and regulation. They aren’t medical advice.

What is it?

The Moro is an automatic reaction to sudden change (sound, light, movement, loss of head support). The body opens wide (arms out, inhale), then curls in to recover. It’s protective at birth and gently steps back as the nervous system matures.

Image
Placeholder for a simple diagram of “open → recover”. Replace later.

Associated signs & symptoms (day‑in‑life)

  • Morning routine: Upset by socks, tags, or tooth‑brushing; things feel “wrong”.
  • At school: Covers ears, freezes, or startles when the room gets noisy.
  • Playtime: Avoids slides/swings; says they feel “scary” or “too fast”.
  • Transitions: Meltdowns when plans change suddenly.
  • Sleep: Jerky awakenings, nightmares, or difficulty resettling after a startle.
  • Therapy: Overwhelmed when copying new motor actions; needs extra reassurance.
Parent tip: If your child is in OT, ST, ABA, or PT, ask about adding gentle reflex work. These foundations can make progress in speech, attention, and motor skills feel easier.

How to test (gentle & optional)

  1. Have your child lie on their back, arms relaxed. Encourage slow breathing.
  2. Support the back of the head with one hand and place the other hand underneath to catch.
  3. Briefly remove the top hand so the head would drop a tiny bit — immediately catch with the lower hand.
  4. Watch for a big inhale, arms/shoulders jump, fingers splay, or body tension. Stop if it’s upsetting.
Video
Placeholder for a short demo video (add your mp4 or YouTube embed).
Safety first: Only test if your child is calm and willing. Always support the head/neck. Testing is optional—you can skip straight to activities.

Home activities (playful & graded)

Start easy, keep it short, and make it fun. Practice most days for small, steady gains.

Easy (get comfortable)

  • Deep Pressure Hugs: firm squeezes for 10–15 seconds; add long exhales.
  • Slow Starfish: open arms/legs wide, then curl into a ball—move slowly with breaths.
  • Rock & Roll: gentle rocking on a therapy ball or floor; add a calm song.
  • Look‑Up Games: follow a sticker/toy with the eyes while lying back.

Medium (build control)

  • Therapy Ball Rainbow Pass: lying back, pass a soft ball overhead side‑to‑side.
  • Crack‑the‑Egg (gentle): curl into a “ball” on a soft surface; hold for 5–10s, relax.
  • Over‑Unders: crawl under a low obstacle and step over a tape line—slow, calm transitions.
  • Log Rolls: roll like a log; pause and breathe between rolls.

Advanced (confidence & rhythm)

  • Scooter‑board pushes: short, straight pushes; steady head and trunk.
  • Step‑out Star Jumps: practice slow step‑outs before full jumps; count‑and‑breathe.
  • Obstacle Path: crawl → stand → reach → carry; pause for breaths between steps.
  • Slide Upside‑Down (supervised): gentle slope, go down on back slowly with an adult spotting.

Parent Pointers

  • Start small: 5–10 minutes a day, about 5 days a week.
  • Pick favorites: Choose 2 activities your child enjoys. Steady breathing and relaxed shoulders mean you’ve picked well.
  • How much is “enough” today? 8–10 slow, smooth reps or 30–45 seconds without strain counts as a good set.
  • On the right track: Over 2–4 weeks, look for smaller startles, quicker calming, and easier settling for sleep.
  • Keep it kind: If your child looks tense or frustrated, shorten the set, slow it down, or switch to an easier activity.

All reflexes

Image

Moro (Startle)

“Startle + recover” alarm system.
Image

ATNR

Head turn ↔ arm movement; midline.
Image

STNR

Bridge to crawling; sitting posture.
Image

TLR

Head tilt ↔ body tone; balance.
Image

Spinal Galant

Trunk wiggle; clothing comfort.
Image

Palmar & Plantar

Grasp reflexes; hand/foot control.
Image

Rooting & Suck

Feeding & calming; speech later.
Image

Landau

Postural strength for movement.