What is one characteristic of reflex actions in infants?

Reflex actions in infants are characterized as involuntary responses to stimuli. This means that when an infant encounters a specific stimulus, their body reacts automatically without the need for conscious thought or deliberate choice. For example, when a newborn's cheek is stroked, they instinctively turn their head toward the stimulus, which is an innate reflex rather than a learned behavior.

Involuntary responses are crucial for infants as they help ensure survival and development. These reflexes can include grasping, sucking, and the rooting reflex, which aids in feeding. Since these actions occur automatically and do not require conscious control, they play a significant role in early development and serve as foundational behaviors that may evolve into more complex voluntary actions as the child grows.