Observe whether the child: turns towards a touch on the cheek
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
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
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
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
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.
The dataset source and any supporting developmental research.
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.
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.
