Like most primitive reflexes, the rooting reflex probably has evolu- tionary/adaptive advantages in infant apes, assisting them in searching for the nipple when nursing. It disappears at about 4 months of age in human infants. The rooting reflex is elicited by stroking the cheek or corner of ...
The reflex disappears in normal infants by approximately 6 weeks of age. When the normal infant is maintained in ventral suspension by the examiner's hand supporting the infant's abdomen, the head, spine, and legs extend. If the head is pushed downward, the hips, knees, and elbows flex. ...