[Development] Social Smile

Development: Social Smile

First smiles are very exciting and being aware when this is expected is important for social and emotional development.

0-6 weeks – Your baby may smile but it is likely to be a reflex and in response to internal feelings such as wind. Your baby’s vision is blurry and the vision is developing slowly with range increasing from 10cm – 20cm approximately. Black and white toys are great at first.

6-8 weeks – The social responsive smile will emerge. Your baby will see you from 20cm away and begin to smile in response to your voice, your facial expressions and stimuli such as singing/toys.

It is important to encourage and praise this new skill of smiling. Keep interacting with your baby by tickling the feet/singing/talking and placing colourful objects 20cm away and watch your baby follow the toy and smile. Praise your baby and you will see more smiles !

Up to 12 weeks – All babies should be smiling in response to stimuli. If this is not the case please see a Pediatrician to review social development. It is also important to ensure vision and hearing is developing normally.

Sources: WHO/CDC/NHS

Resource for parents: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones-app.html

Author: Abigail Laurie Registered Midwife and Registered Specialist Public Health Nurse, United Kingdom.