What to Know About the Rooting Reflex in Babies

How Long Does the Rooting Reflex Last in Babies?

Rooting is a newborn reflex that begins at birth and lasts around three to four months.1 As Wicks explains, during the early months of your baby's life, their feeding is supported by this ingrained reflex, which helps to ensure that latching is established and milk supply is secured. During this time, your newborn's neurological and muscular systems are continuing to mature.

By the third or fourth month, those initial reflexes will dissipate and your infant will use what Wicks calls “will and skill” to manage feeding. Babies learn that they do not need to search for a nipple anymore and that they will be fed regularly. They may even begin to turn away from a breast or bottle if they are not hungry.

Other Cues Your Baby Is Hungry

Besides noticing the rooting reflex, there are other signs to watch out for that could indicate that your baby might be hungry:

• Hand-to-mouth reflex: As an early sign they are hungry, babies may bring their hands to their mouths and start sucking on them.
• Mouthing or smacking lips: Newborns may exhibit repetitive movements with their mouth, such as licking or smacking their lips, or making sucking motions
• Nuzzling: Babies may also nuzzle against a breast or the bottle, trying to find the nipple and initiate feeding. Wicks adds that you may also see babies rooting or nuzzling on other caregivers’ noses or chins looking for food.
• Crying: This is a later-stage sign that often means earlier hunger cues were missed, points out Agi. "The cry associated with feeding tends to have a 'nah' sound to it," adds Wicks. "It is a distinct cry and once you hear it, you will likely always recognize it."

What's the Difference Between the Rooting Reflex and the Sucking Reflex?

In addition to the rooting reflex, your newborn develops a sucking reflex that also aids in feeding. But there's a key difference between the two—the rooting reflex helps your baby initiate a feeding, while the sucking reflex helps them express the milk. In other words, your baby uses their rooting reflex to find a nipple. Once the nipple touches the roof of their mouth, they automatically begin to suck in order to receive milk. This sucking reflex is fully developed in babies at around the 36th week of pregnancy.2