10/17/2025
Moro Reflex Integration Part 1 of 2
When a child has a retained Moro reflex, they also have an exaggerated startle response. You might see their head suddenly throw back, arms and legs extend, and arms fly out to the side when startled.
In this exercise, we help the child move into the opposite position of that reflex pattern:
✨ Bend the hips and knees
✨ Straighten the arms and bring them down by their sides
✨ Encourage a gentle chin tuck
Our hand placement is intentional. By pressing gently into the base of the thumb, we activate important mechanoreceptors in the palm that help with sensory input and organization.
We start by holding this position to the child’s tolerance and slowly increase the duration of the hold as they get stronger, progressing into deeper core strengthening and postural control activities. If your child can’t chin tuck from the floor, use an incline for several weeks first. It can be a small movement.
This is the first of two videos, so stay tuned for Part 2 where we’ll show how to build on this foundation for greater body control and regulation. If words are covering this video pinch the middle of your screen and the words will disappear.
Questions or does this help you understand the Moro reflex a little more? Drop a comment below!
