Understanding Baby Reflexes: Moro, Rooting, Grasp, and Stepping. Many people instinctively worry when they see a newborn being handled this way, but the doctor isn’t being rough—they're testing the Moro reflex. When startled, newborns spread their arms, stretch their legs, tilt their head back, then quickly pull their arms in. This reflex shows nervous system development and, from an evolutionary view, helps babies cling to their mother in danger. It usually fades by six months as the baby gains