What should a neonate's response be when a light is introduced into the periphery of their visual field?

When a light is introduced into the periphery of a neonate's visual field, the expected response is for the head to turn toward the light. This reflexive action is part of a neonate's developing visual and sensory responses and indicates their ability to orient toward a stimulus. The ability to follow light with head movement demonstrates early neurological pathways and visual tracking skills that are crucial for their development.

Turning the head toward the light suggests that the neonate is engaging with their environment and attempting to focus on visual stimuli, which is an important part of their cognitive and sensory development during the early stages of life. This behavior also indicates functioning pathways for visual processing, which are vital for future development in terms of both vision and interaction with their surroundings.