Baby’s first smile

Some of the most important developments during your newborn’s  first month is  her  smile and giggles. Newborns usually smile in their sleep for reasons not well understood. It may mean your baby feel aroused in a certain way or is responding to some internal impulse. Sometimes a smile in the early week of life may simply mean that your precious one is passing  gas. However  between 6 and 8 weeks , babies develop a social  smile which is an intentional gesture.

Your baby smiling is an important milestone. Your pediatrician will ask you during your  2 months check up if you’ve seen your baby smile.

Your baby’s smile means :

• she is growing up and starting to figure out human behavior
• her brain  development is advancing and her communication skills is on track
• she is trying to get your attention with a smile

How to coax your baby to smile

When you encourage your baby to smile, you help her develop her self-esteem. You are letting her know that her feelings are important  and that she can affect the environment around her.

You can coax a grin by

• choosing a time when the baby is relaxed
• take her in your arms with her face very close to yours. You have to remember that babies see best at 8 to 12 inches away
• smile widely at her , talking or singing to her

If trying to get your baby to smile isn’t working, don’t worry.  It may take a few attempts.  Your  baby may also smile past you and look away in order to avoid further stimulation. If your child is premature, it may take a few more weeks  or a month more to get a smile. Premature babies usually take time to catch up.