Observe whether the child: reacts to being touched
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Your child is starting to react to being touched, but the response may be small, delayed, or only seen when they are calm and alert.
What you might see
Your child reliably reacts to being touched, such as moving, changing facial expression, or becoming more alert when gentle touch is felt.
What you might see
Your child reacts to gentle touch in different everyday situations and may also show clear preferences, such as relaxing with familiar touch or pulling away from unexpected touch.
What you might see
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
During a calm moment, gently touch your child's hand or foot and notice whether they react.
During dressing or bath time, watch for movement, facial changes, or alerting when your child is touched.
Notice whether your child reacts differently to soothing touch than to a surprising touch.
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 comes directly from the SHQ prompt asking whether the child reacts to being touched.
Brazelton, T. B., & Nugent, J. K. (2011). Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale.
Early infant assessments commonly observe responses to touch, handling, and state changes as signs of newborn sensory and motor responsiveness.