Rooting

Definition

Rooting is a reflex in infants where they turn their head and open their mouth in response to touch on the cheek or mouth. It helps them find and latch onto a nipple for feeding.

Related terms

Sucking:

This reflex involves rhythmic sucking motions made by infants when something is placed in their mouths.

Swallowing:

The act of moving food or liquid from the mouth down into the stomach through coordinated muscle movements.

Breathing:

The process of inhaling and exhaling air, essential for supplying oxygen to the body's cells.