01/30/2026
The rooting reflex is one of your baby’s earliest survival skills. When the corner of a newborn’s mouth or cheek is gently touched, they’ll turn their head and open their mouth. This allows them to find the breast or bottle for feeding.
This reflex is controlled by the brainstem and should be present at birth until it integrates around 3-4 months of age.
Why does this matter?
If the rooting reflex is absent, asymmetrical, or doesn’t integrate in time, it can impact:
1️⃣Feeding and latching
2️⃣Head and neck movement
3️⃣Overall neurological development
As a pediatric chiropractor, I look at how the nervous system and gentle spinal alignment supports proper reflex development, helping babies grow, feed, and thrive.