Most parents will say there’s nothing more joyful than seeing a genuine smile from your baby. It’s a milestone that usually takes place around two months old, but you’re likely to see lots of facial expressions that look similar in the meantime.
From the very first days of your baby’s life you may notice them reacting to your touch with what is known as a reflex smile. This is believed to be an automatic behaviour rather than an emotional response, the NHS states.
Reflex smiles are often quite short and can occur randomly, usually when the baby goes to the bathroom, or sleeps. After around two months your baby’s reflex smiles will stop, making way for their first real social smiles that take place between the six to 18-month mark, according to Pathways .
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These social smiles are in response to the world around them. One study of 400 infants, carried out in 1959, suggested that it’s the first time your baby will seek eye-contact before smiling. The study found that 70% of babies smiled between three and five weeks old.
Your baby may smile at the sound of your voice, a funny face you pull, a game of peek-a-boo, or even just the sight of you entering the room. Smiling back at your baby can encourage them to smile, NHS advice states.
At around the same time as your baby’s first smile you may notice they begin to exhibit other signs of development. For example, your baby may blow bubbles and coo in response as you talk to them.
Other common milestones for two-month-old babies may be that they copy your facial expressions, reach for you for comfort, and respond to the sound of your voice by blinking or waking from sleep, according to the NHS .
Soon after learning to smile your happy bundle of joy may also begin laughing or giggling. Babies usually start laughing or making gurgling sounds in response at between two to four months.
But don’t worry if your baby is not smiling right away: babies have different temperaments and personalities too. If you’re concerned about your baby’s development don’t hesitate to raise any issues with your healthcare provider.
If your baby was born prematurely they will likely have a slower rate of development in the first year or two. You should calculate their developmental age from their original due date until they are two years old, the NHS states.
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