FIGURE 3.2a-c: Some newborn reflexes: If the baby’s brain is developing normally, each of these reflexes is present at birth and gradually disappears after the first few months of life. In addition to the reflexes illustrated here, other newborn reflexes include the Babinski reflex (stroke a baby’s foot and her toes turn outward), the stepping reflex (place a baby’s feet on a hard surface and she takes small steps), and the swimming reflex (if placed under water, newborns can hold their breath and make swimming motions).