This might explain your child’s big emotions...
There’s something called the Moro reflex, you might also hear it called the startle reflex.
It’s something all babies are born with.
A sudden noise, a change in position, and their arms fling out… then pull back in.
It’s completely natural. It’s the body’s early alarm system, designed to keep them safe before they can think or process what’s happening.
As your child grows, this reflex is meant to gently “switch off” as their nervous system matures.
But sometimes… it doesn’t fully integrate.
When the Moro reflex is still active, the body can stay a little bit on edge, like the alarm system is still half on, even when everything is okay.
And this can show up as:
- Big emotions that come quickly and feel intense
- Sensitivity to noise, light, touch, or busy environments
- Struggling to calm down once upset
- Feeling easily overwhelmed
- Difficulty focusing or settling
- A strong startle response or underlying anxiety
From the outside, it can look like overreacting…
But from the inside, their body genuinely feels like something isn’t quite safe.
There are lots of gentle reasons this can happen, and none of them mean anything has gone “wrong.”
Sometimes it’s linked to:
- Birth experiences (very fast, very slow, or assisted)
- Less time moving freely on the floor
- Skipping or rushing early movement stages like rolling or crawling
- Time spent in more restrictive positions (car seats, carriers, etc.)
- Early stress or overwhelm in the body
Those early movement patterns are more important than we often realise, they help wire the brain and body together. And when they’re missed or shortened, the body can hold onto these reflexes a little longer.
What can you do to help?
The good news is… the nervous system can learn. It can adapt.
And there are really simple, gentle ways you can support your child at home:
Co-regulation first
Before asking your child to calm down, help them feel calm through you, your voice, your presence, your energy.
Slowing things down
Creating moments of calm and reducing overwhelm gives their system space to reset.
Slow, rhythmic movement
Rocking, swaying, cuddling, these help the body feel safe and settled.
Deep pressure
A firm hug, wrapping in a blanket, or gentle pressure on shoulders can feel really grounding.
Floor-based play
Rolling, stretching, crawling-style play helps reconnect the brain and body and supports integration.
A gentle shift
When you start to see it this way, something changes…
It’s not just “behaviour.”
It’s your child’s nervous system asking for support.
They’re not trying to be difficult.
They’re doing their best with a body that’s trying to keep them safe.
And with your support, gently and over time…
that system can learn a new way.
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