What is the first reflex typically observed in newborns?

The grasp reflex is typically observed as one of the early reflexes in newborns. This reflex is demonstrated when an object is placed in a newborn's palm and they instinctively grasp it. This reflex is crucial for the development of hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, as it signifies the infant's neurological response to stimuli and their ability to make use of their hands.

While other reflexes such as the Moro reflex, startle reflex, and rooting reflex are also present in newborns, they develop or become observable at slightly different stages or under specific conditions. For instance, the Moro reflex, which is characterized by the infant's response to a sudden loss of support, is also prominent but typically becomes more noticeable after the initial days following birth. The rooting reflex, which helps infants find and latch onto the breast for feeding, is critical but is generally recognized around the same time as the grasp reflex. The startle reflex is related to more mature responses to stimuli and may develop shortly after birth but isn't classified in the same category as initial reflexes observed in this early developmental stage.

Understanding these reflexes is essential in assessing neurological function and developmental progress in infancy.