Reflex Sucking

Sucking reflex: Physiology and Role in Newborns

The sucking reflex is one of the most important reflexes in newborns. It provides the action necessary for survival - sucking milk from the mother. The sucking reflex occurs when receptors in the mucous membrane of the lips or surrounding skin are irritated.

The physiological sucking reflex manifests itself in rhythmic movements of the lips, tongue and muscles of the walls of the oral cavity. These movements continue as long as the irritation continues. In newborns, this reflex is very strong and manifests itself even with mild stimulation.

The sucking reflex is important for the health and development of the newborn. It provides essential nutrition and helps develop the muscles of the mouth and throat, which in turn promotes proper development of speech and swallowing.

In addition, the sucking reflex can help a newborn cope with certain problems such as colic and insomnia. Sucking on a pacifier or pacifier can soothe your baby and help him fall asleep.

Some babies may have problems with the sucking reflex. For example, some newborns may be unable to suck or have a weak sucking reflex. In such cases, parents can use special nipples that help the baby suck.

In conclusion, the sucking reflex is an important physiological process in newborns. It provides essential nutrition and helps develop the muscles of the mouth and throat. Parents should be attentive to the baby's reaction to sucking and, if necessary, seek help from a doctor.

The sucking reflex is one of the physiological reflexes in newborns. This reflex ensures the act of sucking and is necessary for the child’s survival in the first months of life.

The sucking reflex manifests itself in the rhythmic movements of the lips, tongue and muscles of the walls of the oral cavity when irritating the receptors of the mucous membrane of the lips or surrounding skin. When the newborn feels irritated, he begins to rhythmically contract and relax his lips and tongue, thereby creating pressure in the mouth, which promotes the release of milk from the mother's breast.

The sucking reflex is innate and appears in the first minutes of a child’s life. It is essential for the survival and normal development of the baby, as it provides not only nutrition, but also the development of the muscles of the mouth and face.

However, over time, the sucking reflex may be lost in the child. This usually occurs between 6 and 12 months of age, when the baby begins to learn solid foods and transitions to solid foods. Also, some children may retain this reflex until later in life.

The sucking reflex plays an important role in the development of the child and his survival in the very first months of life. Despite the fact that it will be lost over time, its presence in the first months of life is a necessary condition for the normal development of the child.