The moment your baby smiles for the first time, it feels like all those sleepless nights, morning sickness, and the stresses of new parenthood suddenly become worthwhile. That tiny grin, filled with recognition or pure delight, is one of the sweetest rewards of parenthood.
But beyond the joy it brings, a baby’s laugh is also an important indicator of developing social skills. It marks the transition from a sleepy newborn to a sociable, engaging little person.
When Do Babies Smile for the First Time?
Babies begin smiling surprisingly early, sometimes even while they’re still in the womb. You might have caught a glimpse of this during a second-trimester ultrasound or seen your newborn’s first sleepy laugh shortly after birth.
However, you’ve likely heard that these early laugh aren’t considered “true” smiles. And while that’s correct—these reflexive smiles differ from the social smiles yet to come—they’re still heartwarming. Newborns often laugh when they’re comfortable, passing gas, or falling asleep. Regardless of the reason, those early are precious, and you should feel free to enjoy them.
Before your baby’s first real social smile, you’ll notice lots of practice laugh as they explore how to move their mouth. These trial runs are just as adorable as the real thing!
When Do Babies Start Social Smiling?
Your baby’s first genuine social laugh will likely appear between 6 and 8 weeks of age, although it can happen anytime between 4 and 12 weeks. This is usually in response to recognizing someone special—most likely you! Unlike those earlier reflexive smiles, it lights up your baby’s entire face, not just their mouth. You’ll know it when you see it.
They are more than just adorable; they’re a way for your baby to communicate and connect with you and the world around them. By the time your baby is about 3 months old, they may even start a “conversation” with you through smiles and gurgles. Responding with smiles, coos, or gentle words will encourage more of this delightful interaction.
How Can I Encourage My Baby to Smile?
To help those smiles along, shower your baby with attention. Smile at them, cuddle them, and talk to them often. Babies who receive lots of affection and care in the early stages of life tend to develop faster, have larger brains, and are generally more sociable. So, if you’re eager to see those first real smiles, don’t hesitate to snuggle up and let your baby know they’re the best thing in your world.
What If My Baby Isn’t Smiling Yet?
Just like adults, some babies are naturally quicker to smile than others. If your baby isn’t smiling by 1 month, there’s no need to panic. That first “real” laugh can occur anywhere between 4 weeks and 4 months, even for the happiest of babies.
You might have heard that delayed smiling can be an early indicator of autism spectrum disorder. While this is sometimes the case, a delay in smiling is very rarely the only symptom. If your baby isn’t smiling by 4 months but still makes eye contact, vocalizes, and responds to visual and verbal cues, they may just have a more reserved personality at this stage. However, if you have any concerns, it’s always a good idea to discuss them with your pediatrician.
When Do Babies Start Smiling and Laughing?
Around the time your baby starts smiling, you’ll also likely hear their first coos—another exciting step toward social interaction. Not long after that, you can expect the first laugh, typically around 3 or 4 months old, though it might come a bit later. Just like with smiles, your baby might laugh simply for the joy of it. Soak in every giggle and enjoy this precious time!
