Recognizing the First Smile of a Baby: It’s a Reflex
Curiously, the gummy grin that warms the hearts of parents can start even before birth. Early in an infant’s life, including the fetal stage, they can portray what are known as reflex smiles, notes Mark Gettleman, MD, a paediatrician and owner of Dr. Goofy Gettwell Pediatrics in Scottsdale, Arizona. These initial reflex smiles are not intentional or reactionary. They function similarly to the sudden leg and arm jerk experienced by babies as they adjust to their new world. It is part of the process of acclimatizing to their environment.
But, before long, your tiny bundle of joy starts to show their first genuine smile. Such a milestone marks significant leaps in social, emotional, and visual development and is also an expression of love and happiness.
When do Babies Begin Smiling Socially?
Between the ages of 6 to 12 weeks, babies start to smile in response to stimulus — these are known as ‘real’ or ‘social’ smiles. Until then, the adorable grins you see are automatic and often a reflexive response to internal bodily functions like gas.
You can discern reflex smiles from real ones by their timing and duration. Reflex smiles are typically short and can happen randomly usually when the baby is sleeping or fatigued. Real smiles, by contrast, happen in response to an external stimulus, such as seeing a parent’s face or hearing a sibling’s voice. Additionally, they are more consistent, says Dr. Gettleman. When a smile is genuine, the emotion resonates in the baby’s eyes, making it a heartwarming moment to witness.
Smiling and Developmental Progress
When babies start to smile, it signifies that their vision has improved to the point where they can recognize faces. It also indicates that their brain and nervous systems have matured enough to suppress reflex smiles. Now, they know that a smile is a tool for them to connect with others — a realization that further fuels their social development.
Infants begin to understand that their emotions are important and can influence those around them. They demonstrate pleasure, excitement, contentment, and happiness through smiling. Think about it as their non-verbal way of saying, “Good job!” or, “I love this milk! More, Please!”
If My Baby Is Smiling but Not Looking at Me?
It’s not unusual for your baby to smile without looking at your face. It can be too overwhelming for some babies to maintain eye contact with their caregivers for extended periods. But worry not, even if they’re not making eye contact, they’re still learning to recognize your voice, touch, and expressions, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Few Tips To Encourage Baby’s Smiles
- Engage in regular conversations with them, allowing them room to “respond”.
- Maintain frequent and warm eye contact.
- Smile at them throughout the day.
- Use playful and silly faces or sounds, imitate animal behavior, play peek-a-boo or lightly tickle their stomach to make them more likely to reciprocate with a grin.
- Take care not to over stimulate them. Babies are still developing their ability to regulate emotions and may become overwhelmed with too much stimulation, according to child psychologist David Elkind, PhD.
What Happens After Baby Starts to Smile?
As your baby gains more experience with smiling and seeing the reactions it elicits, they will start to add sound effects, starting with cooing at first and gradually flourishing into small chuckles and bouts of giggling, Dr. Gettleman explains. By 5 months, they may even surprise you with hearty belly laughs and shrieks of pure joy. However, remember that each baby is different, and these stages might come earlier or later.
Concerns: If Your Baby Is Not Smiling Yet
Although you’re understandably eager to see your child’s first smile, remember that a delayed grin doesn’t necessarily indicate that something is amiss or that the baby is unhappy. Infants reach milestones at their unique pace, and some may need a few more weeks to start smiling. However, if your baby isn’t smiling by 3 months, you should bring it up with their health care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does smiling indicate that my baby knows me now?
Yes, smiling in babies is a clear sign of recognizing and responding to familiar faces, especially their parents.
What if my baby doesn’t smile at 3 months?
If your baby isn’t smiling by 3 months, consult with your health care provider. It could be a simple variation in achieving developmental milestones, or it may indicate an underlying issue.
Should I be worried if my baby smiles but doesn’t make eye contact?
Infants might find direct, prolonged eye contact overwhelming at first. However, if your baby isn’t maintaining eye contact by 6 months, it could indicate an issue. In such a case, you should discuss your concerns with your health care provider.