Rooting reflex

A newborn response in which touching the cheek or mouth prompts a turn towards that side.

It helps a baby find the nipple. One reflex alone is not a health assessment or a measure of milk intake.

In a sentence

What does “Rooting reflex” mean?

A newborn response in which touching the cheek or mouth prompts a turn towards that side.

What to expect day by day as you start breastfeeding, from colostrum and frequent feeds to nappy counts, sleepy babies and when to get help.

Signs of a good latch, step-by-step attaching, six breastfeeding positions to try, safe side-lying feeds and what to do when the latch hurts.

Sources checked 2026-10-10. Source checks are editorial; this summary has not been independently clinically reviewed.

General information, not medical advice. For concerns about your child, talk with your doctor or child-health nurse.