Since the day a baby is born, his or her body is pre-programmed with survival reflexes. One of these is the Moro reflex or the startle reflex, one of the numerous primitive reflexes of a newborn baby to facilitate adjustment to the new environment. It is an automatic response to unexpected stimuli, and yes, it might look dramatic but is crucial in your baby's neurological development.

Pediatricians test for the Moro reflex at birth as an important marker of a newborn's nervous system function. Knowing what it is, how long it will last, and how to deal with its impact can assist new parents in helping their baby develop healthily.

Though startling for parents and infants alike, the Moro reflex is a reassuring indication of normal neurological function. As infants develop and mature into more complex nervous systems, the reflex will simply disappear. In the meantime, parents can take easy measures to make their baby feel safe and minimize unnecessary startles.

If any questions arise about the Moro reflex or if it lasts too long, parents don't need to hesitate to consult with a pediatrician. The management and understanding of this reflex can make some of the issues of newborn care a little less stressful for both babies and parents.

What Does the Moro Reflex Look Like?

The Moro reflex is simple to identify. If it is stimulated, a newborn will instantly arch their back, throw out their arms with open hands, and extend their legs. This is usually followed by bringing the arms back in, tightening the fists, and occasionally even crying. Although startling to see, the sequence is perfectly normal and a sign that your baby's spinal cord and brain are functioning properly.

Parents usually notice the reflex when their baby is sleeping or being placed down, which can interfere with sleep. The reflex is not painful or uncomfortable for the baby, though it may seem so.

Why Does Moro Reflex Occur?

In essence, the Moro reflex is an evolutionary response to survival. It is thought to be the first self-protection attempt of a baby. The reflex is activated by the sensation of falling or sudden movement, getting the baby ready to recover balance. In the past, this reflex could have aided infants in hanging on to their caregivers, thus avoiding falls.

Additionally, the reflex provides valuable insight into the infant’s neurological function. The presence and strength of the Moro reflex reassure doctors and parents that the baby's nervous system is developing correctly.

How Long Does the Moro Reflex Last?

The Moro reflex is visible at birth and normally reaches a peak during the first month. Most infants progressively lose the reflex between two to four months when their nervous system becomes more developed. By the age of six months, the reflex has typically disappeared.

In the meantime, babies start improving in head control and voluntary movement, which obviously replaces the newborn's reflex movements.

What causes the Moro Reflex?

As babies are extremely sensitive to the surroundings, various stimuli may evoke the Moro reflex, such as:

Rapid movement – The baby being lifted or set down too abruptly.

A loud sound – A dog's bark, slamming of the door, or household noise.

An intense light – Flicking a switch on a light in an environment with darkness.

Sudden body movement – Position change or tilting the baby's head too abruptly.

Internal triggers – At times, babies wake up startled by their own movements.

Newborns have no control over their body parts, and thus they often end up startling themselves, and as a consequence, waking up many times through the night.

How to Soothe a Baby Who Suffers from Moro Reflex?

Although the Moro reflex is perfectly normal, it can trigger a baby and wake them up startled. The parents can resort to simple solutions to reduce its impact:

1. Swaddle Your Baby

Swaddling is wrapping the baby tightly in a light blanket, replicating the womb's snug surroundings. A tight swaddle keeps the baby from making sudden arm movements that will induce the startle reflex. After a baby starts rolling over (about 3–4 months), though, swaddling must be stopped to prevent safety hazards.

2. Hold Your Baby Close

When picking up or putting down your baby, ensure they feel secure by keeping their head and neck supported. Slow and controlled movements can help reduce the chances of triggering the reflex.

3. Use White Noise

Sudden noises can startle babies, but consistent background sounds, such as a white noise machine, a fan, or soft music, can help mask jarring sounds, making the baby feel more at ease.

4. Make a Peaceful Sleep Environment

Maintaining a dark room and reducing loud noise can avoid unwanted startles, allowing the infant to sleep in peace.

When to Worry?

Physicians regularly examine the Moro reflex in infants, but there are instances where an absent or unusual reflex can reflect underlying problems. Parents need to see a pediatrician if they observe:

• No Moro reflex at birth – This can reflect neurological issues.
• An asymmetric reflex – When only one side of the body reacts, it may be a sign of nerve damage or a fracture of the clavicle.
• A persistent Moro reflex after six months – This can be associated with developmental delay or neurological disorders.
• A very weak or exaggerated reflex – Both can be a cause for medical assessment.
• Premature infants can have a weaker Moro reflex because of their immature nervous system, but this generally gets better over time.

While recent research has shown that children with obesity rates have been rising, a new report showed exactly how fast and high the rates have become within the span of a few years.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and new data from the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) and Jump IN for Healthy Kids shows a troubling trend. The report highlights that one in five children in Indiana, aged 2 to 19, are living with obesity.

This is a significant problem with wide-ranging consequences. The most alarming finding is a dramatic 83% increase in obesity among children ages 2 to 5 between 2014 and 2023, with much of this rise happening during the pandemic.

Childhood obesity has been linked with numerous health problems, whether it is decrease in the quality of life or even premature death according to HPI (Health Policy institute). It has also been named as a risk factor of the 4 leading causes of death in the US, which are coronary heart disease, type-2 diabetes, stroke and cancer.

How Is Obesity Affecting Children

One Childhood obesity isn't just a matter of weight. It deeply impacts a child's overall well-being.

Physical Health

Kids with obesity are at a much higher risk of developing serious medical conditions. This includes type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and orthopedic issues caused by the extra weight on their growing bones and joints. These problems can follow them into adulthood, leading to chronic diseases.

Emotional and Social Well-being

The struggle with obesity can also affect a child's mental state. They may experience low self-esteem and anxiety, which can cause them to feel insecure and withdraw from social activities. This may lead to them skipping school or avoiding extracurricular activities they might otherwise enjoy.

Economic Impact

There are also significant financial costs. A child with obesity is estimated to have $19,000 more in lifetime medical costs than a child who is at a healthy weight. This places a financial burden on families and the healthcare system.

What's Causing This and What Can We Do?

Several factors contribute to childhood obesity, including genetics, access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, and neighborhood safety. HPI explains that obesity is linked with physical inactivity. Two factors that caused it were over-reliance on electronics for entertainment and decreased participation in physical education programs in school

Economic challenges can also push families toward less expensive, highly processed foods instead of fresh, nutritious options. This makes it harder for them to maintain a healthy diet, even when they know it's important. The good news is that solutions are within reach. It's a complex problem that requires a combined effort from everyone.

• Families can start by setting good examples. This means eating nutritious meals together and limiting the amount of time spent in front of screens.

• Schools can help by making sure children get daily physical activity and have access to healthy meal options during the school day.

• Policymakers and community groups can work on a larger scale by improving access to affordable, healthy food and creating safe places for kids to play and be active.

The key is to work together without blame or shame. As Tami Silverman of the IYI says, it’s about taking practical steps as a community to create lasting change for our kids.

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s former Prime Minister, has captured hearts once again, not through politics, but through storytelling. Her children’s book, Mum’s Busy Work, offers a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a working mother from the perspective of her daughter, Neve.

Released shortly after her memoir, the book resonates deeply with parents who juggle professional responsibilities and family life, offering lessons about work-life balance, parental guilt, and the modern dynamics of caregiving.

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A Child’s Perspective: Seeing the World Through Neve’s Eyes

The best part about Mum’s Busy Work is the narration by Neve, Ardern’s daughter. This makes the book innocent and captures the small moments and big emotions that define a child’s experience of having a working mother.

From noticing her mother’s “big briefcase” to exploring the Prime Minister’s office during a visit, Neve offers a window into the feelings children experience when their parents are often busy or away. The story is not about political milestones or public achievements, it is about emotions: the excitement, curiosity, worry, and joy that fill a child’s daily life.

How Can Jacinda's Book Benefit Working Mother

Through Neve’s eyes, parents are reminded that children are sensitive to more than just presence, they notice moods, energy, and small gestures.

On Mondays, Neve stomps her feet at daycare, expressing frustration at the separation, yet by the end of the week, she delights in dancing with her mother in “clippy-cloppy” work shoes. This oscillation between anxiety and joy emphasizes that children value meaningful interactions, no matter how brief, over constant presence.

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Normalizing Working Mothers and Challenging Gender Stereotypes

One of the book’s most powerful messages is that working mothers are normal, capable, and loving. In a society where mothers are often expected to prioritize childcare over careers, Ardern’s story is refreshing. Neve sees her mother both as a caregiver and as a professional, demonstrating that a parent’s career does not reduce their love or attention.

The story also subtly challenges traditional gender roles. Clarke Gayford, Ardern’s partner, is shown actively participating in household chores and spending quality time with Neve.

Scenes like Gayford doing the washing or joining for a Saturday picnic present a balanced, modern view of parenting. This stands in contrast to conventional children’s books, where mothers often remain home as nurturers while fathers are portrayed as the fun, adventurous parent.

By presenting caregiving and play as shared responsibilities, Ardern normalizes equality within the household and sets an example for children about inclusive family roles.

Navigating Mum Guilt and Embracing Work-Life Balance

Ardern’s story also addresses a universal challenge for working mothers: “mum guilt.”

The constant worry about not spending enough time with children is something Ardern admits to experiencing, particularly while serving as New Zealand’s youngest Prime Minister to give birth in office.

Yet Mum’s Busy Work conveys that guilt is often self-imposed. As Ardern reflects, her daughter’s questions and experiences did not amplify the guilt, it was created by her own expectations.

For parents, this is a crucial takeaway: balancing career and family requires acknowledging your feelings, accepting that perfection is unattainable, and finding peace in the moments you can dedicate to your children. It’s about being fully present in the time you have, whether it’s reading, dancing, or simply playing together, rather than obsessing over how many hours you spend in the day.

The book also highlights the importance of flexibility and working on your own terms. Ardern shows that professional fulfillment and motherhood are not mutually exclusive. By integrating snippets of daily life—playing hide-and-seek, chocolate treasure hunts, and shared routines—she illustrates that parents can craft their schedules and interactions in ways that prioritize connection and love.

Celebrating the Parent-Child Bond

At its heart, Mum’s Busy Work celebrates the bond between parent and child. Neve’s delight in dancing, reading, and playing with her mother reinforces the idea that children value presence, attention, and shared experiences above all else. The book emphasizes emotional closeness, reassuring children that even when their parents are busy with work, their love remains constant.

The story’s illustrations, by Ruby Jones, complement this message beautifully. Using a colorful and expressive style, the images capture Neve’s moods and perspective, from the anxiety of separation to the joy of shared play. The visual storytelling enhances the narrative, making the emotional nuances accessible even to the youngest readers.

Lessons for Modern Parents

Mum’s Busy Work is more than a children’s story, it is a guide for modern parenting. Here are some key takeaways:

Quality over quantity: Focus on meaningful interactions rather than the total time spent. Even brief, engaged moments can leave lasting impressions on children.

It’s okay to work: A parent’s career does not diminish their love or ability to nurture. Children benefit from seeing parents pursue passions and responsibilities.

Share household responsibilities: Household chores and caregiving should be shared, modeling equality and teamwork for children.

Embrace imperfection: Accept that balancing work and parenting is challenging. Let go of self-imposed guilt and focus on what truly matters.

Build a support system: Friends, family, and partners play a critical role in helping parents manage responsibilities while maintaining emotional connection with their children.

Challenge gender norms: Encourage children to see caregiving and fun as shared roles, breaking traditional stereotypes about mothers and fathers.

A Subtle Feminist Statement

While the book is heartwarming, it also carries a subtle feminist undertone. By positioning herself as both a mother and a professional, Ardern subverts the traditional notion that women must choose between career and family. She demonstrates that it is possible to define success on one’s own terms while nurturing the next generation.

When a child struggles with constipation, the problem can ripple through the whole household, creating discomfort, stress, and frustration. While parents often worry about how many times their child goes to the bathroom, one leading pediatric expert says that frequency is not the most important measure. Instead, what matters most is stool consistency.

Consistency, Not Frequency

According to Dr. Jaya Punati, a neurogastroenterologist and co-director of the Colorectal and Pelvic Anomalies Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, constipation is often misunderstood.

“Constipation is not frequency of stooling,” she explained in a statement quoted by USA Today. “Constipation is consistency of stooling.”

Healthy stool should be soft and easy to pass, resembling a coil or soft pile—similar to the familiar “poop emoji.” Hard, dry stool, on the other hand, is a clear sign of constipation.

Normal bowel movement frequency can vary greatly among children, ranging anywhere from three times a week to three times a day. For this reason, parents should focus on how stools look and feel, not on how often bathroom visits occur.

The Role of Diet and Hydration

The first line of defense against constipation begins at the dining table. Dr. Punati highlights the importance of diet and hydration, noting that children should eat five to six servings of fruits and vegetables daily, each accompanied by a cup of water.

“Dry food, dry poop,” she emphasized, explaining that fiber-rich foods paired with water bring needed moisture into the colon, softening stool and making it easier to pass.

While fiber supplements like psyllium or flax seeds are widely available, Dr. Punati cautions parents not to rely on them as the first solution. “It’s better to eat an apple than to take a fiber pill. They’re not equivalent,” she said. Whole foods also support the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in overall digestive health.

Mushers and Pushers: Medication Options

For children with stubborn or chronic constipation, dietary changes may not be enough. In such cases, medication can help, and Dr. Punati categorizes treatments into two broad types: “mushers” and “pushers.”

Mushers (Osmotic laxatives): These draw water into the colon, softening stool. MiraLAX, which contains polyethylene glycol, is a common option. Other mushers include magnesium, mineral oil, and sugar syrups such as lactulose or Karo corn syrup.

Pushers (Stimulant laxatives): These trigger muscle contractions to move stool along. Options include senna, bisacodyl, and glycerin suppositories.

Dr. Punati generally recommends starting with mushers for a gentler effect before considering stimulant options.

When to Seek Medical Help

While many cases of constipation can be managed at home, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. Dr. Punati advises parents to call a pediatrician if a child’s stool does not improve after a week of dietary adjustments and over-the-counter treatments.

Soiling, or involuntary leakage of liquid stool, is a sign of severe constipation. While it is not an emergency, it should prompt a doctor’s visit.

However, urgent care is needed if a child experiences severe abdominal pain and is unable to pass any stool. In such cases, Dr. Punati recommends heading straight to the emergency room.

Takeaway for Parents

Constipation in children is common, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key takeaway, experts say, is to watch stool consistency rather than frequency, ensure kids get enough fruits, vegetables, and fluids, and use medication cautiously when necessary.

If constipation persists despite home efforts, parents should not delay in seeking medical advice. As Dr. Punati told USA Today, “If you are unable to find a solution at home, you should bring it to a doctor’s attention.”