Babies typically start to smile with social, genuine smiles around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Before this, babies may show reflex smiles, which are involuntary and often occur during sleep or due to internal stimuli like gas, but these are not true smiles. Real, responsive smiles usually emerge around the end of the second month and are in reaction to external stimuli such as seeing a parent's face or hearing their voice. Parents often notice these real social smiles as a sign of the baby's developing social engagement and emotional connection. By 2-3 months, babies begin to smile purposefully and enjoy interacting with people around them. Laughter tends to come later, generally around 4 to 6 months old.
Key Points:
- Reflex smiles occur shortly after birth but are involuntary and reflexive.
- Social or real smiles start between 6 and 8 weeks.
- By 2-3 months, babies smile intentionally in recognition and response to others.
- Genuine smiles involve the whole face, especially the eyes.
- Laughing usually starts around 4 to 6 months.
This timeline is typical, but individual variation is normal, with some babies smiling slightly earlier or later.
