A nurse is performing a routine assessment on a newborn. The nurse strokes the cheek of the newborn and notes that the newborn turns toward that side and opens his mouth. The nurse documents this finding as which of the following?

This reflex starts when the corner of the baby’s mouth is stroked or touched.

The baby will turn his or her head and open his or her mouth to follow and root in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding. This reflex lasts about 4 months.