When newborns are held horizontally on their stomachs, they stretch out their arms and legs; this is a _____ reflex.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When newborns are held horizontally on their stomachs and they stretch out their arms and legs, it is called the swimming reflex. This reflex is thought to be an adaptive response that helps newborns learn to move their arms and legs in a coordinated way, which will eventually prepare them for swimming. The other options listed are different reflexes: the Babinski reflex is where the toes fan out and the big toe turns up when the sole of the foot is stroked from heel to toe; the stepping reflex is where infants appear to take steps when their feet touch a flat surface; and the Moro reflex is where infants fling their arms open and arch their back in response to a sudden movement or noise.

When Newborns Are Held Horizontally on Their Stomachs, They Stretch