Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO Key Takeaways The Moro reflex is a startle response in babies that makes their arms extend and retract. Newborns grow out of the Moro reflex within the ...

University of Toronto researchers have discovered that the main purpose of the startle reflex -- the mechanism that makes people twitch at sudden loud noises -- is to protect the body against blows.

When your baby finally falls asleep in your arms, lying down should feel like a moment of relief. But many parents notice that the moment they recline, the baby wakes up, sometimes instantly. This can ...