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0–5 monthsGross Motor (physical culture)

turns towards a touch on the cheek

Observe whether the child: turns towards a touch on the cheek

What it looks like

Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.

Emerging

Just starting

Your child is beginning to turn towards a touch on the cheek, but the movement may be slight, delayed, or seen only when they are hungry or calm.

What you might see

  • Briefly shifts the mouth, face, or head after one cheek is gently touched.
  • Responds on some attempts but not every time.

Expected

On track

Your child turns towards a touch on the cheek, showing a clear head or mouth movement toward the side that was gently touched.

What you might see

  • Turns the head toward the cheek that was gently touched.
  • Moves the mouth or face toward the touched side.
  • Shows the response during a calm, awake moment.

Exceeding

Going further

Your child turns towards cheek touch in everyday care routines and may do so smoothly, quickly, or across both sides without needing repeated tries.

What you might see

  • Turns toward gentle cheek touch on both left and right sides.
  • Responds smoothly during familiar routines such as feeding preparation or cuddling.

Try this at home

Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.

  • When your child is calm and awake, gently stroke one cheek and notice whether they turn toward that side.

  • Try the other cheek later and watch whether your child turns toward the touch.

  • Before feeding, notice whether a light cheek touch leads your child to turn their head or mouth toward it.

Where this comes from

The dataset source and any supporting developmental research.

Dataset source

  • Stenhaug, B., Ram, N., & Frank, M. C. (2021). The Stanford SHQ: A measure of early developmental milestones.

    This item is anchored in the SHQ prompt asking whether the child turns towards a touch on the cheek.

Developmental research

  • Brazelton, T. B., & Nugent, J. K. (2011). Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale.

    The newborn rooting response is commonly observed through gentle cheek stimulation and head or mouth turning.