Moro Reflex in Simple Words

The Moro reflex is an early startle reflex that helps newborns react to sudden changes. When something feels unexpected, the body first opens out, then curls back in toward the center. Over time, this primitive pattern is replaced by more mature, voluntary control as the brain develops.

A Two-Step Pattern: Open and Close

The Moro reflex always has two steps.

First, extension:

The head may tip slightly back, the arms and often the legs move away from the body, and the hands open.

Then, flexion:

The arms and legs come back in, the hands move toward the middle, and the body returns to a more curled, protected posture.

Both phases matter: the “I am startled” opening and the “I am safe again” closing.

Why This Matters for Therapy

Inside the nervous system, the Moro reflex is a complete circuit, not a single position or isolated movement. Sudden movement and head-position information travel from the body and inner ear to the brainstem, which organizes the sequence of opening and then closing and sends signals down to the muscles to carry it out.

When this circuit is better regulated and gradually integrates, children are usually able to handle surprises, transitions, and sensory input with less over-startle and can move from “alarm” back to “safe” more smoothly.

When the Moro Reflex Lingers

In most babies, the Moro reflex fades by about 4–6 months of age. When pieces of this reflex stay very active in older children, it can show up as:

• Being overly jumpy

• Sensitivity to sound or movement

• Difficulty with transitions

• Feeling overwhelmed by sudden changes

These signs suggest that parts of the primitive startle response are still active.

How the HELA Method Supports Moro Reflex Integration

When the Moro reflex does not fully integrate, the nervous system struggles to return to safety after a startle. Through the HELA Method’s touch-first, nervous-system-first approach, we help the body:

• Feel grounded and safe

• Complete both phases of the open → close pattern

• Strengthen the body’s ability to move from “alarm” to “regulated”

• Build the foundation for calmer sensory processing, emotional stability, and smoother transitions

By meeting the nervous system exactly where it is, we help children shift from reflex-driven reactions into mature, organized responses that support growth, learning, and everyday ease.