Moro Reflex Integration Exercises for Newborns, Infants, Toddlers, Kids

Moro Reflex Integration Exercises:

• What is Moro Reflex Integration?
• Exercises for Newborns
• Exercises for Infants
• Exercises for Toddlers
• Exercises for Kids

What is Moro Reflex Integration?

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a primitive reflex present at birth and typically integrates by 4–6 months of age. It is triggered by sudden changes in position, loud sounds, or unexpected movement, causing the infant to throw their arms outward, then bring them back in. This reflex is essential in early development, helping newborns react to stimuli and regulating early neurological responses.

When the Moro reflex does not integrate properly, children may show difficulty with sensory processing, emotional regulation, attention, or movement coordination. Moro reflex integration exercises are gentle activities designed to help the nervous system mature and integrate this reflex fully. These exercises are commonly recommended by occupational therapists and pediatric developmental specialists for infants, toddlers, and older children who demonstrate signs of retained reflexes.

Exercises for Newborns

For newborns, the goal is not to integrate the reflex prematurely but to support healthy neurological development. The exercises focus on gentle sensory input, bonding, and controlled movement. Activities such as skin-to-skin contact, rocking in a caregiver’s arms, and slow swaddled movement help regulate the baby’s nervous system. These movements allow the newborn to experience safety and controlled stimulation, gradually reducing the sudden exaggerated startle responses.

Caregivers may also perform slow positional transitions, such as gently lifting and lowering the baby during feeding or cuddling. Soft, rhythmic movements help the baby process vestibular input, which supports reflex maturation. Maintaining a calm environment—low lights, soft sound, and predictable routines—also helps newborns regulate their Moro reflex naturally.

Exercises for Infants

Infants aged 3–6 months benefit from exercises that encourage midline stability and controlled arm movements. Activities such as bringing hands to midline, playing with soft toys, or supervised tummy time help strengthen postural muscles and promote reflex integration. Rolling practice—from back to tummy or tummy to back—helps coordinate body movements and supports brain development.

Gentle “starfish exercises” (where arms and legs extend and then curl inward) can also mimic the pattern of the Moro reflex in a slow, controlled manner, teaching the nervous system to regulate the startle response. Infant massage, particularly across the shoulders and trunk, provides calming sensory input that supports faster integration.

Exercises for Toddlers

Toddlers who retain the Moro reflex often show fearfulness, tantrums, motion sensitivity, or difficulty adapting to changes. Exercises such as slow jumping, kneeling-to-standing transitions, and gentle rocking on a therapy ball can help balance their vestibular and proprioceptive systems. These movements encourage controlled responses instead of sudden startles.

The most commonly recommended exercise for toddlers is the Starfish Integration Exercise: 1) Start seated with legs crossed. 2) Spread arms and legs wide (“star” position). 3) Cross arms over the chest and curl into a ball while taking a deep breath. 4) Return to the star position while exhaling. Repeating this movement 10–12 times daily helps retrain the Moro reflex pattern into a more mature and regulated response.

Exercises for Kids

Children who still have a retained Moro reflex may display anxiety, poor balance, distractibility, or sound sensitivity. Reflex integration exercises for older kids involve more structured motor patterns. Activities such as slow angel-in-the-snow movements (on the floor or wall), yoga poses (child’s pose, cat–cow), and deep pressure activities (weighted blankets or bear hugs) support nervous system regulation.

Older children can also perform the Starfish Integration Exercise or cross-body movements such as crawling, marching with opposite-hand taps, and “X-to-O exercises,” where the child moves from an extended “X” shape to a curled “O” shape. Consistent practice over several weeks often leads to improvements in attention, coordination, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. Occupational therapists typically guide parents in customizing these exercises based on each child’s developmental needs.