Which neonatal reflex is triggered when the infant's cheek is stroked?

The rooting reflex is an essential neonatal reflex that occurs when an infant's cheek is stroked. This response is innate and plays a vital role in helping the baby find and latch onto the nipple for feeding. When the cheek is gently stroked, the infant will turn their head towards the stimulus and open their mouth, thus facilitating breastfeeding.

This reflex is particularly important in the early days of life as it helps ensure the newborn can feed effectively, which is crucial for their growth and development. The rooting reflex typically begins to appear shortly after birth and gradually diminishes as the child grows, usually disappearing by around 4 to 6 months of age.

In contrast, other reflexes listed do not specifically involve the stimulation of the cheek. The palmar reflex involves the infant grasping when their palm is stimulated; the Moro reflex is a startle response triggered by sudden movements or sounds; and the grasp reflex pertains to the infant gripping objects placed in their hands. Each of these reflexes serves different developmental purposes but does not relate to the cheek-stroking scenario described in the question.