Why Do Babies Smile in Their Sleep?

Seeing your baby smile during sleep is typically not cause for concern. That said, Dr. Priest notes that any bodily twitching that cannot easily relax with gentle pressure from you should be discussed with a pediatrician or health care provider.

“Twitching or jerking that continues after a baby wakes should also be noted and discussed with a pediatrician,” she says. “Additionally, twitching or stiffening that occurs as the baby ages, occurs with illness, or occurs with poor feeding should be discussed with a pediatrician right away.”

In rare instances, gelastic seizures can occur in infants.5 This causes them to smile, smirk, or laugh uncontrollably, without the ability to stop on their own. If your baby’s smile seems more serious than a sleepy grin, it’s important to reach out to a health care provider.

Remember, smiling during sleep is a normal, healthy part of your infant’s growth and development! Eventually, their smile will become more frequent as they learn to express joy, trust, and comfort around those closest to them. Until then, enjoy those little grins during nap time—and remember to take plenty of pictures!