What are reflexes in infants considered to be?

Reflexes in infants are considered inborn survival skills because they are instinctive actions that occur automatically in response to specific stimuli. These reflexes, such as grasping and rooting, develop prenatally and are present at birth. They serve crucial functions for newborns, aiding in feeding and bonding with caregivers, and are essential for their survival in the early stages of life. These reflexes are innate and do not require learning or experience, making them fundamental to the infant's ability to adapt to their environment and meet their basic needs. In contrast, advanced cognitive abilities, learned behaviors, and complex motor skills develop later as the infant grows and interacts with the world.