REFLEXES:

Hyperreflexia means overactive, exaggerated or brisk reflexes. Absent reflexes are ones that are hard to attain and/or absent. Reflexes are involuntary movement that doctors/healthcare providers check to determine if the baby’s brain and nervous system are working well. Exaggerated or absent reflexes mean that there is some impact to the nervous system. You will likely not be able to tell if reflexes are exaggerated or absent, but your baby’s doctor will examine for this. You cannot really prevent or change a reflex; it is an indication of current central nervous system functioning. However, there are things you can do that help infants who have exaggerated or absent reflexes.

NOTE: The Following Videos found in this kit under the Parenting Tips from Specialists will provide more information and/or demonstration that might be useful for some of the interventions recommended here.

NAS: Early Interventions

Touch and Infant Massage

STRATEGIES BY DISCIPLINE

NEURODEVELOPMENT

Sometimes over-reactive reflexes can cause the baby to be more irritable. Helping the baby feel supported and promoting healthy movement will help your baby’s central nervous system mature.

Infant massage will help the central nervous system and motor system to mature.
Tummy time is important and will help the baby to develop better muscle tone and coordination and decrease the impact of hyper or absent reflexes. It is important to make sure that the baby is safe in tummy time and to make sure that breathing passages are always clear.
Avoid fast movements or position changes for the baby.
Handle the baby gently and give the baby intention movements; place your hand on your chest every time before you pick them up.
Make sure the baby is well supported when picking them up and holding them.

MEDICAL

It is important to determine the root cause. The baby’s doctor will examine them to evaluate them for any potential concerns.
The baby’s doctor will monitor for changes in reflexes as abstinence progresses.

NURSING

Infant Massage can be helpful for exaggerated or absent reflexes.
Chest to chest contact can help with exaggerated or absent reflexes.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Infant massage is very beneficial to promote healthy motor responses especially with baby yoga as part of the routine.
Certain positions are more helpful: tummy time.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Infant Massage

Exaggerated or absent reflexes can affect feeding and the coordination of the suck/swallow/breathe (SSB) patterns. Look for cues for when the baby is ready to suck and when the baby needs a break. Watch for stimuli that will trigger reflexes during feeding (for example handling, loose blankets, sudden noises, or changes in light).

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