Which reflex is shown when a baby turns toward a touch on the cheek?

• A. Grip reflex
• B. Sucking reflex
• C. Startle reflex
• D. Rooting reflex

Answer: (D)

Rooting reflex is triggered when a cheek is stroked; the baby automatically turns toward that side and opens the mouth in preparation to feed. This primitive response helps the infant locate the nipple or bottle and begin feeding. It’s present at birth and typically fades as voluntary feeding patterns develop, usually integrating by about 4 months. The other reflexes involve different triggers or responses: grip reflex is the fingers grabbing when the palm is stroked, sucking reflex is rhythmic sucking when the lips or mouth are stimulated, and the startle reflex (Moro) is a sudden arm movement in response to a loud noise or sudden sensation. The described head-turn toward a cheek touch is characteristic of rooting.