Babies typically start smiling between 6 and 8 weeks old. Early smiles are often reflexive, occurring randomly and usually during sleep, but these are not considered true social smiles. True, intentional social smiles usually begin around the end of the second month (about 8 weeks), when babies start responding to external stimuli like seeing a parent's face or hearing their voice. By 2 to 3 months, babies often smile more purposefully to engage and communicate with others.
Types of Smiles
- Reflexive smiles: Appear in the first few weeks, often during sleep or due to internal stimuli like gas, lasting a few seconds.
- Responsive smiles: Around 6 to 8 weeks, babies react with pleasure to sensory experiences like hearing a familiar voice or seeing a face.
- Social smiles: By 2 to 3 months, babies smile deliberately to interact with people, showing engagement and recognition.
Importance of Smiling
Smiling back at a baby helps them bond and feel secure, promoting emotional and social development. These smiles also signal a milestone in brain and social development, leading to further expressions like cooing, babbling, and eventually laughing around 4 to 6 months. If a baby is not smiling socially by 3 months, it might be worth consulting a healthcare provider, but developmental timings can vary. This timeline reflects typical infant development and the emotional connection fostered through smiling interactions.
