A baby's smile is the moment parents have been waiting for. However, each baby has a different time to reach certain developmental milestones, including smiling for the first time.
Babies can smile in the womb, even before they are born. This phenomenon is very interesting and adorable. This smile usually occurs at around 26 weeks of gestation or more, although it can also occur at earlier or later stages in pregnancy.
Meanwhile, the majority of babies will start smiling at around 6-8 weeks of birth. There are several factors that can influence when the first smile appears, such as physical and emotional development, level of attachment to parents, and the baby's own temperament and personality.
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Reasons why babies don't smile
Most parents will be concerned if their baby appears serious or less socially responsive, especially when compared to other babies who appear more cheerful. However, mothers need to remember that every child develops in their own way and a less than cheerful expression is not always an indication that something is wrong.
Family psychologist, Kathryn Smerling, said that parents often worry that their child will not grow up to be as happy as other babies, but this usually does not happen, and is normal. Personalities that are described as “aloof” or “mysterious” in their later teenage or adult years are the result of deeper and more complex characteristics, but these can be appreciated by those who know them well.
Reasons why babies don't smile much
Every baby has a unique way of expressing happiness and comfort. While some babies show their happiness by smiling openly, others express their happiness through more subtle and subtle cues.
As Smerling explains, some babies will show that they are entertained or happy just by paying attention or listening attentively. Their widened eyes, twitching of their toes, or waving their hands are subtle clues that they are happy and comfortable.
Mothers should also note that each baby develops over a different period of time and has unique preferences and needs. Some babies will feel more comfortable and smile easily in familiar environments such as home, while they may become stiffer or less responsive around strangers or in new situations.
This is part of the natural adaptation process for babies to adjust to new environments and the people around them. As parents, it is important to provide abundant support, love and attention to your little one, and understand their unique way of expressing their happiness.
By providing a safe and supportive environment, your little one will feel more comfortable and be able to express themselves more freely as time goes by, Mother.
Reasons why newborn babies smile
Highlights Medical News Today has summarized the types of smiles and their causes. Come on, let's read in full, Mother.
1. Reflex smile
A smile that appears reflexively and is done by the baby while still in the womb. Although these smiles occur randomly and are not necessarily related to happiness or a response to the caregiver, these reflex smiles are still part of a baby's early development.
2. Social smile
A response to social interactions with others indicated by smiling, such as smiling back at a caregiver or trying to get their attention. This smile usually occurs when the baby feels comfortable and happy in interactions with other people.
3. Smile of happiness
As they grow and develop, babies can also smile in response to feelings of happiness. They may smile when interacting with their caregivers and when playing with their favorite toys, showing happiness and comfort in these moments.
When should you worry if your little one rarely smiles?
If there are concerns or signs that the baby is not smiling according to his age, it is important to immediately consult a doctor, Mother. Looking at Medical News Today, here are reasons to worry about taking your baby to the doctor. Read in full, Mother.
1. Not imitating the nanny's smile
If a baby does not begin to imitate his or her caregiver's smile between 6 and 12 weeks of age, this could be an indication of developmental abnormalities. Immediately consult a pediatrician, Mother, for further treatment.
2. Stop smiling at the babysitter
If a baby suddenly stops smiling at a caregiver or shows a change in their emotional response, this could be a sign of a problem that needs to be evaluated.
3. Seems very uncomfortable with eye contact or never smiles when looking at the caregiver
When a baby seems very uncomfortable with eye contact or never smiles when looking at a caregiver, this could be a sign of problems in their social and emotional relationships.
4. Loss of newly acquired skills, including smiling
Sudden loss of newly acquired skills, such as the ability to smile, could be a sign of disrupted development. Immediately consult a doctor for further treatment, Mother.
5. Not Smiling in 3 Months
When a baby does not show a smile at all within 3 months, this event could be an indication of a developmental problem that needs further evaluation with a doctor, Mother.
That's the information regarding the reasons why babies don't smile much, I hope your little one can give the most beautiful smile and make it an unforgettable memory, Mother.
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