When Do Babies Smile? Social Smile Milestone | Parenting Hub
The first real social smile usually arrives between 6–8 weeks. Learn the difference from reflex smiles and how to encourage smiling and laughter.
That first proper grin in response to your face — the 'social smile' — usually appears between 6 and 8 weeks. It's one of the most rewarding milestones of the newborn months.
Reflex smiles vs social smiles
From birth, babies have tiny reflex smiles — often during sleep or after a feed. These aren't in response to you. The true social smile is different: eye contact, a wide grin, and clearly in response to your face or voice. It usually appears between 6–8 weeks.
What comes next
- 6–8 weeks: first social smile
- 2–3 months: smiles often, makes happy sounds
- 3–4 months: full belly laughs
- 4–6 months: smiles at familiar people more than strangers
How to encourage smiling
- Get close — babies see best at 20–30 cm
- Smile, talk, sing — and pause to give them a turn
- Mirror their expressions back
- Skin-to-skin and gentle play
When to see a doctor
Mention to your GP or MCH nurse if your baby isn't smiling socially by 10 weeks (3 months adjusted for prematurity), doesn't make eye contact, or doesn't seem to recognise you. A hearing or vision check may be part of the assessment.
When to seek help
- No social smile by 3 months (adjusted age)
- No eye contact
- Doesn't turn to your voice
- Doesn't seem to recognise familiar people
Common questions
My premature baby isn't smiling yet — should I worry?
Use adjusted age. A baby born 6 weeks early may not smile until around 12–14 weeks from birth. Mention concerns at your MCH visits.
Why does my baby smile at the ceiling fan and not me?
High-contrast moving objects are visually interesting to young babies. They'll get more interested in your face as their vision develops.