Moro Reflex 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Work With It
The Moro reflex, often referred to as the “startle reflex,” is one of the earliest reflexes present in newborns. It’s the automatic reaction you see when a baby hears a loud noise or experiences a sudden movement—arms flail out, back arches, and a quick gasp or cry may follow. In a perfect developmental timeline, this reflex naturally integrates by around four months of age.
But when it doesn’t?
That’s when we start to see challenges—especially in children struggling with regulation, sensory overload, poor balance, or chronic fight-or-flight responses. A retained Moro reflex can keep a child’s nervous system stuck in survival mode, making it harder to focus, stay calm, or even process everyday stimuli appropriately.
So, what can you do about it?
Why It Matters
When the Moro reflex lingers beyond infancy, it creates a neurological ripple effect. Children with a retained Moro reflex often experience:
Heightened sensitivity to sound, light, or touch
Emotional outbursts or meltdowns over small stressors
Trouble with transitions or surprises
Poor impulse control or attention difficulties
Anxiety and difficulty falling or staying asleep
This isn’t about behavioral discipline or willpower—it’s about a nervous system that’s constantly on high alert. That’s where intentional movement comes in.
Working With the Moro Reflex: The “Up and Over” Exercise
One of the best ways to help integrate a retained Moro reflex is through specific, controlled movements that re-pattern the brain and body. One of our go-to exercises is what we call “Up and Over” (also referred to as “Over and Under”). This movement is designed to gently activate and help rewire the reflex through head movement, balance, and bilateral coordination.
Here’s how it works:
Option 1: Using a Ball
The child stands with feet shoulder-width apart.
An adult passes a ball over the child’s head.
The child reaches both arms up to grab the ball, tilting their head back past their shoulders.
Then, they bend forward and pass the ball back through their legs.
Repeat 10–12 reps, focusing on slow, controlled movement and keeping the head tilted back during the reach.
This motion helps activate the reflex in a purposeful way and encourages the brain to start integrating it properly.
Option 2: Using “Squeaks” or Soft Blocks
For kids who struggle to lift both arms simultaneously (a common sign of Moro retention), we use soft foam “squeaks” that they hold and squish together:
The child reaches both arms up to grab two squeaks.
They squat and place them into a basket behind them.
The added sensory input from squishing helps reinforce bilateral engagement.
Add Challenge with Balance Tools
Once the child becomes comfortable, we increase the challenge:
Stand on a foam mat or Bosu ball.
Perform the same movements, adding a balance component to activate the cerebellum and postural reflexes.
This upgraded version is especially powerful for kids who are ready for more sensory input and vestibular engagement.
Bonus: Dual Benefits for TLR Integration
While this exercise primarily supports the Moro reflex, it also benefits the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)—another foundational reflex tied to head position and core strength. So you’re getting double the neurological return for one simple routine.
Final Thoughts
Addressing the Moro reflex isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about retraining the nervous system to feel safe, regulated, and ready to grow. Exercises like “Up and Over” create real, measurable changes in how a child processes their world.
If your child struggles with emotional regulation, startle responses, or difficulty calming their body, there may be an unintegrated reflex at play. Supporting it through movement is one of the most direct, effective, and empowering tools you can offer.
Because behind every meltdown or moment of overwhelm is a brain trying its best. Let’s give it the right tools to succeed.