Which neonatal reflex is typically the first to appear?

The palmar reflex is indeed one of the early neonatal reflexes and is characterized by an infant's tendency to grasp objects placed in their palm. This reflex is crucial in the early stages of a baby's development, as it plays a significant role in the bonding process with the caregiver, when the infant instinctively grasps a finger or object.

While it is important to note that the rooting reflex also appears fairly early, the palmar grasp reflex can typically be elicited while the infant is still in utero, making it one of the most primitive responses. The rooting reflex, which triggers the baby to turn their head and open their mouth when their cheek is stroked, generally appears soon after birth but requires more development of sensory pathways.

The step reflex and the Moro reflex develop slightly later in infancy, with the step reflex manifesting typically around two months of age and the Moro reflex, which involves a startle response, appearing shortly after birth but not as precociously as the palmar reflex. Understanding the emergence of these reflexes is vital for assessing normal neurological development in neonates.