When Do Babies Smile?
When do babies smile? My newborn is a month old, but she has yet to smile and I would just like to know when a typical baby will do this?
Believe it or not experts believe that babies actually smile while they are in the womb. This is why you may notice your newborn is smiling even a few days after she is born, but keep in mind these smiles are more of a reflex, than a response to something that makes her happy, such as your voice or face.
When Do Babies Start Smiling
When your baby is only a month old, most of her smiles will be done while she is sleeping or has just woken up from a nap. You may notice that your baby is not making direct eye contact with you while she is smiling.
By the time your baby reaches two months, her brain and eyes sight are continuing to develop and she will begin to smile in recognition of familiar faces and sounds, or even her favorite toy. Keep in mind that your baby will most likely react to the sound of your voice first with a smile, then as her eyes sight continues to develop, she will then began to react to both the sight of your face and your voice at the same time.
It is at this point that your baby is now learning to communicate with you other than through a screen or a cry, and is able to display a range of emotions other than her displeasure when she is hungry, sleepy, or not feeling well.
When your baby is around three months old, she will smile whenever you have face to face interaction. This is when you can make silly faces and get a big smile from her.
By the time your baby reaches 6 to 8 months old, she will have displayed a variety of smiles and emotions and began to experiment with laughter as well. You may notice that she will have a wide open mouthed smile, whenever she is the most happy. Your baby will also start to realize that her smiles are a form of communication and will elicit smiles from others around her. At this point she will give you a big smile, while expecting one in return.
Your baby is now learning to associate how her emotions and behavior can affect others. Simply put, smiling is an essential part of how your baby begins to develop her social skills that she will need later in life.
If your baby is not smiling after three months, you may want to discuss this with your doctor.
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