A reflex that is seen in normal newborn babies, who automatically turn the face toward the stimulus and make sucking (rooting) motions with the mouth when the cheek or lip is touched. The rooting reflex helps to ensure successful breastfeeding.

Reflex of a newborn whereby a stimulus (a light touch with a nipple or finger) in the area of the corner of the mouth elicits a response in which the baby turns its head toward the stimulus and begins [..]

Reflexes have reasons for occurring...typically. The rooting reflex occurs in infants (we outgrow it) and is a tendency for the infant, when stroked on the side of the face, to move its face in the di [..]