Observe whether the child: is startled by loud noises
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Your child is beginning to react to sudden loud sounds, but the response may be small, inconsistent, or only noticeable when the room is quiet and the sound is close.
What you might see
Your child is startled by loud noises, such as showing a sudden body movement, blink, pause, or change in expression after an unexpected loud sound.
What you might see
Your child reacts clearly to loud noises in different everyday settings and then settles with normal comfort, such as being held, spoken to, or given a quieter space.
What you might see
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
During normal daily life, notice whether your child startles when there is an unexpected loud sound.
Watch for a blink, sudden body movement, pause, or brief cry after a loud noise.
Do not make loud sounds on purpose; use only sounds that naturally happen around your child.
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.
The SHQ item asks parents to observe whether the child is startled by loud noises.
Brazelton, T. B., & Nugent, J. K. (1995). Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (3rd ed.). Mac Keith Press.
Startle and response to sound are standard early observations of infant behavioral and sensory responsiveness.