What is a key characteristic of the rooting reflex in infants?

A key characteristic of the rooting reflex in infants is their instinctive response to turning toward touch on the cheek. This reflex typically manifests when an infant's cheek is stroked or touched, prompting them to move their head in that direction and open their mouth. This behavior is crucial for feeding, as it helps the infant locate and latch onto the breast or bottle for nourishment. The rooting reflex is a primitive reflex that is present at birth and generally disappears as the child develops, typically around four months of age.

The other options illustrate different reflexes or behaviors in infants. Grasping objects tightly pertains to the grasp reflex, which is unrelated to rooting. Responding with vocal sounds indicates early communication skills, rather than a reflexive response. Following moving objects with their eyes relates to visual tracking abilities, demonstrating the infant's developing eyesight rather than a reflexive action like rooting.