When Do Babies Start Smiling? – Age & Tips to Encourage It

Creator: Anisha Nair
Published: 2018-04-18 06:26:29

By Anisha Nair | Updated: 29/01/2025

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Gunjan Baweja (Paediatrician)

As an expectant parent, you will be surprised to learn that babies do not pop out ready to smile in the manner you and I do. Yes, the equipment is all there and functioning well. You will see smiles or, rather, what is called reflex smiles. Your baby starts smiling in the uterus, which is like a test drive before this little bun is popped out of the oven. You could even see a smile on the first day of this new life, but these reflex smiles morph into actual smiles with meanings behind them. They could smile because they are no longer wet after a nappy change, are gassy, or simply content.

Understanding this special milestone and finding easy ways to encourage those sweet smiles can help you build a strong bond with your little one. Read on to learn when do babies start smiling and tips to bring out those adorable expressions.

What Does Your Baby’s First Smile Indicate About His Development?

The first time your baby smiles for real and not as a reflex, this indicates his sight is developed. Newborns are generally nearsighted and cannot see beyond a certain point; so until now, mommy’s face had to be up close for your little darling to see it. Enjoy it as it is one of the most rewarding things about being a parent. The baby has also developed cognitive recognition to the point of recognising things and acknowledging the ones he enjoys and likes, whether they are people or inanimate objects (1).

When Do Infants Begin to Smile?

Parents often wonder at what age newborns smile for the first time, and the answer is a reflex smile could pop within the womb, or the first day you are introduced to your little one. A baby’s first smile, a legitimate one, develops around one and a half months or even later (2). Do not worry if they take their time smiling, and concern yourself by wondering when newborns smile. Your newborn starts smiling anywhere between this time and four months. If you are missing out on the reflex smiles, do not worry, as they are fleeting. Blink, and they are gone; that’s how quick they are. Your baby has no clue they are doing them, and you probably won’t either. You could catch them while they sleep or during a nappy change (3).

What If the Infant Is Not Smiling?

As mentioned in the previous section, a baby’s reflex smiles are quick and you could be missing them. Yes, this is very common and you have nothing to worry about. Even if they are not smiling that much or at all, remember that it is a little human being, and just like adults, they have their own temperaments. Your baby could be the sort that just does not like to smile too much. This could change as they grow but that is who they are for now.

Parents can worry when their baby doesn’t smile at all, as babies who do not smile could grow to be diagnosed with autism. This is not true in all cases as autistic babies smile as well. Moreover, autism is diagnosed only later in life and not before two years. Give your baby the space to develop at his own pace.

Focus on their overall communication. Babies smile in response to vocal cues as well. They respond in the same manner quicker as their sight is still developing. Make note of that and talk to them. Encourage their other communication venues until they are ready to smile for you.

How to Encourage Your Baby to Smile?

Making baby smile is as simple as talking, singing, or making funny faces to engage their attention and joy. Here are a few simple and effective ways to help bring out those adorable grins (1) (3).

Since your baby is nearsighted, you should get up close and personal. Be dramatic and over the top so he can make out what you are doing to see that little smile and constantly talk to him and communicate how much you love his smiles.
Communication is key as mentioned earlier. They rely on the aural world to figure out what is going on and what is good or bad. So, talk to your baby and let him mirror your behaviour. Your grin should be a wide one so he can see it and is likely to smile back at you.
Engage your baby with toys and games as he is likely to respond to these with a smile. Peekaboo may make you feel silly but he will react to it with surprise and excitement. It also has the added bonus of all that excitement tuckering them out so he nap easier. Introduce him to new toys that make noises that he loves.
Try getting physical by tickling him or blowing raspberries on his belly. He is bound to squeal and giggle about this. And there’s your smile!

When to Contact a Doctor?

While every baby develops at their own pace, certain signs may indicate the need for professional advice. Here are a few situations when you should reach out to a doctor:

If your baby isn’t smiling by three months.
If your baby rarely shows any expressions of happiness or excitement.
Lack of eye contact.

FAQs

1. Do premature babies smile later?

Yes, premature babies may reach milestones, including smiling, later than full-term babies. Their development is often measured based on their adjusted age rather than their birth date (4).

2. What does it mean if my baby smiles a lot?

Frequent smiling is usually a good sign that your baby is content and developing well. It shows they are responsive and enjoying social interactions.

Your little one is on a fresh new journey and setting out into the world. Soon, you will discover another layer of this tiny being in your life and he will communicate his needs, demands and affections in multiple new ways to your delight. Enjoy this phase before your baby quickly transitions into the next.