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Moro Reflex in Children
The Moro reflex is the startle reflex babies are born with, helping them respond to sudden changes in their environment. It typically becomes integrated during the first few months of life. When this reflex remains active beyond infancy, some children may appear particularly sensitive to sudden noises, bright lights or unexpected touch. They may startle easily, become overwhelmed in busy environments or have strong emotional reactions to situations that other children seem to manage more comfortably.
The nervous system plays an important role in how children process sensory information, respond to stress and regulate their emotions. Through my work, I explore underlying developmental patterns, including primitive reflexes, to better understand the challenges a child may be experiencing. An assessment can help identify whether reflex patterns may be contributing to their difficulties and whether targeted movement-based activities could support their development and emotional regulation.
Does your child seem easily startled, overwhelmed or constantly on high alert?
Let’s explore what might be contributing to their responses and how I can support them. Get in touch to book an appointment.
Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner · Brain Gym® Consultant · Qualified primary school teacher · Mum of three
I’m Michele, a Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner and Brain Gym® Consultant in Perth. This page explains what the Moro reflex is, the signs that can come with a retained Moro reflex, and gentle ways to support your child.
What is the Moro reflex?
The Moro reflex is one of the primitive reflexes, the automatic movements babies are born with. When a newborn baby is startled, for example by a loud noise or the feeling of falling, their arms fling out wide, then come back in towards the body, often with a cry. It is the body’s first alarm system.
Like the other primitive reflexes, it is controlled by the brainstem, so there is no conscious thought involved. As the brain matures it is meant to integrate, usually by around 4 to 6 months, and a more mature startle response takes its place.
You can read about other primitive reflexes on my ATNR, STNR and spinal galant reflex pages.
What is a retained Moro reflex?
When the Moro reflex is retained, a child’s alarm system can keep switching on in situations that are not actually dangerous. A sudden noise, a bright light or an unexpected touch can set off a big reaction, and it can take a while to settle again. That is tiring for a child, and it can look like worry, meltdowns or avoiding new things.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Signs I commonly see with a retained Moro reflex
Startling easily, or strong reactions to sudden noise, light or touch
Being easily overwhelmed in busy or noisy places
Worry or anxiety, and finding change or new situations hard
Big feelings that take a long time to settle
Motion sickness, or poor balance and coordination
Trouble with attention and concentration, especially when there is a lot going on
Seeing one or two of these does not mean something is wrong, and there can be many reasons for them. If several sound familiar, an assessment can show whether a retained reflex is part of the picture.
AT HOME
Simple things to try at home
- Give plenty of warning before changes, and keep routines predictable where you can
- Slow, rhythmic movement can be calming: rocking, swinging or gentle rolling on the floor
- Firm, steady touch such as a big hug or a tight wrap in a blanket, if your child enjoys it
- Quiet time after busy places, before asking for homework or chores
- Keep it light. A child who is on high alert is not being difficult on purpose
When a retained Moro reflex is worth getting checked
If your child is anxious or overwhelmed a lot of the time, or it is getting in the way of school, sleep or friendships, please check in with your GP or paediatrician. My work is movement based and sits alongside medical and psychological care, not instead of it.
WORKING WITH ME
How I can help
In an initial appointment I assess which primitive reflexes are still active, along with brain and body organisation and side dominance. We then work through simple, playful movements in weekly sessions, with “home play” in between. You can see the full process and prices on my services page.
Positive results are usually seen after 5 or 6 weeks, and sooner when the home play is done regularly.
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Related challenges
Balance and coordination: These challenges are not laziness or a lack of trying. Often, a child’s body is working much harder than it looks, making everyday activities more tiring and frustrating than they should be.
Primitive reflexes: Primitive reflexes are one piece of the developmental puzzle. In some children, ongoing reflex activity may contribute to difficulties with balance, coordination, handwriting, posture, body awareness or emotional regulation.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
Is the Moro reflex the same as the startle reflex?
Yes. The Moro reflex is the startle reflex every baby is born with. When a baby is startled, their arms fling out wide and then come back in towards the body. As the brain matures it is meant to integrate, usually by around 4 to 6 months, and a more mature startle response takes its place.
When should the Moro reflex go away?
Most primitive reflexes, including the Moro reflex, are meant to integrate by around 4 to 6 months as the brain matures.
Is a retained Moro reflex the same as anxiety?
No. Anxiety has many causes and a retained reflex is only one possible piece of the puzzle. What I look at is what is happening in the body, and whether the startle response is still switching on more than it should.
Can older children and teenagers integrate the Moro reflex?
My focus is children, but the same movements can also help teenagers and adults. Feel free to ask.
Do you only see children in Perth?
I see children face to face in my home office in Perth, which creates a safe and comfortable environment, and I also offer online appointments.
Not sure where to start?
You are welcome to get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.