What To Know About When Babies Start Smiling
Your little one is also beginning to realize that their feelings matter and have a direct effect on the people around them. They'll smile to express pleasure, excitement, contentment, and happiness. Consider it their way of saying, "Hey, you're doing a good job!" or "This breast milk rocks! Please give me more."
What if My Baby Is Smiling but Not Looking at Me?
You may notice your baby is smiling but not looking at your face. That’s not unusual. It can be overwhelming for some babies and it take them longer to look directly at their parent’s face for a longer duration. Despite this, babies are still learning a parent’s voice, touch, and expressions, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP),
and they should soon be able to start looking at their face longer. But always make sure to bring up any concerns with your child's health care provider, especially if your baby isn't keeping your gaze by 6 months of age as it can indicate an issue.4
Tips To Help Your Baby Smile
Still waiting to see your baby's lips curl? You can encourage them in a few ways:
- Talk to them often. Make sure you give them time to "respond."
- Make eye contact frequently.
- Smile at them throughout the day.
- Get silly. Making funny faces or noises, imitating animal sounds and behaviors, blowing raspberries on your baby's belly, or