What To Know About When Babies Start Smiling
Waiting for your little one to flash a gummy grin? Learn more about your baby's first smile to see what it means for social and emotional development
Baby milestones are exciting for caregivers and one that happens fairly early on is that first real smile. It's hard not be delighted when a baby's happiness starts shining through.
When does it happen? Babies typically start smiling between 6 and 8 weeks. Keep in mind, premature babies may need a little more time to reach that milestone.1
Keep reading to learn more about when babies start smiling, and how to encourage them to flash that adorable gummy grin.
The First Baby Smile Is a Reflex
Believe it or not, your baby was probably smiling long before they were born. Babies can smile very early in life, and fetuses can even engage those reflexes in utero,2 says Mark Gettleman, MD, a pediatrician and owner of Dr. Goofy Gettwell Pediatrics in Scottsdale, Arizona. These first smiles aren't intentional or in response to anything. Instead, they're reflex smiles, similar to the jerky arm and leg movements your baby's body experiences as it goes through the equipment-testing process, Dr. Gettleman says.
Soon enough, though, your little cutie will flash their first "real" smile, which signals improvements in social, emotional, and visual development. It's also a sign of affection.3
