Hi there, mama! Are you are sitting in a rocking chair at two in the morning, watching your sweet baby sleep? You are in good company. Every new parent stares down at their tiny bundle waiting for that very first real grin. It is one of the most magical moments of the entire first year.

If you are wondering when do newborns smile, you are definitely not alone! Is it just a reflex or a real smile? Lets chat about all of the different types of sweet smiles that your baby produces during the first year.

Why Do Newborns Smile In Their Sleep?

Have you ever watched your sleeping baby curve their lips upward? It melts your heart every single time. Those darling newborn sleep smiles might catch you wondering why do newborns smile in their sleep?

The adorable grins your newborn makes while dozing off are not actually caused by sweet dreams, those are reflexive smiles, too! During the phase of deeper sleep known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, babies may twitch, make reflexive facial expressions, and even breathe a little differently. Researchers believe these smile-like expressions are simply your baby’s nervous system and facial muscles learning how to coordinate with one another.

For generations, folks assumed these expressions were nothing more than a little tummy bubble. But thankfully, science shows us that newborns are quite busy developing behind the scenes!

More Than Just a Reflex

For the longest time, old textbooks tried to tell us that a baby’s early grins were nothing more than a simple reflex. But data gathered over the last fifty years proves that these little ones are more complex and social than they expected (but as parents we knew this all along, didn’t we?). They are smart as a whip, learning from experience, regulating their own cozy little states, and even imitating expressions within their very first thirty-six hours of life. 

When researchers slow things down and take a closer look, those bright eyed, early morning smiles actually involve all sorts of cheek and eye movements that look a whole lot like a genuine social grin. Truth be told, babies actually flash twice as many smiles when they are wide awake and chatting with their favorite people (yes, you mama!) compared to when they are snoozing away. 

What Age Do Newborns Start to Smile?

So, let us get down to the real question on every parent’s mind. What age do newborns start to smile on purpose?

Usually, around two months, something wonderful happens. Your baby’s vision matures, and their eyes can focus much better than before. Their brain is also better equipped to interpret facial features, which vastly improves their understanding of expressions. 

Those intentional grins are called Duchenne smiles, named after the nineteenth-century researcher who mapped the muscles responsible for facial expressions. These social smiles last longer, and you might notice your baby’s mouth turning up while their eyes close just a bit. It means your baby recognizes your face and voice. They know you are their mama, and they are thrilled to see you!

The Power of Eye Contact With Mom And Dad

When your little one locks those big, soulful eyes right onto yours and flashes that bright new grin, it’s pure magic! Scientists call it a bonding loop, but us mamas just call it falling in love all over again.

That intense eye contact acts as the true glue for social development. When you smile right back, you are teaching your baby that the world is a safe place. Studies show that parents have a profound emotional and physiological reaction to a smiling baby, activating the part of the brain that controls feel good emotions.

It is not just mama who gets all the love, either! Daddies, grandparents, and big brothers or sisters quickly learn that a high-pitched voice or a silly tickle can coax out the sweetest gummy grins you ever did see.

Babies love the lower tones of a daddy’s voice just as much as a higher pitched mama coo. Every family member brings something special to the table, and watching a baby respond to different voices is one of the greatest joys of early parenthood.

Connecting Through Voice And Body Language

If you want to play a little detective at home, keep an eye on your baby’s whole body when a grin crosses their face. Newborn sleep smiles happen quietly in dreamland without much engagement. A true social smile usually comes with relaxed shoulders, bright eyes and a happy little coo. On the other hand, a reflex smile often happens out of nowhere while they are fast asleep, sometimes accompanied by a furrowed brow or twitchy fingers. Knowing the difference makes catching that very first intentional grin feel all the more rewarding!

There is also a mighty good reason we spend all day rocking and whispering sweet nothings to our little ones. All that talking, humming and singing lullabies actually helps wire their little brains and teaches them how to chat right back with a smile. According to child development insights from the ZERO TO THREE Resource Guide, everyday interactions build essential neural pathways early on. 

To help encourage more smiles, try engaging in face-to-face interactions when your baby is most alert, like right after a nap or a meal. Try gently singing or stroking their belly, using parentese (that gentle sing-song voice that comes so naturally). Go slow and pause to give your baby a chance to respond. These interactive sessions may only last a minute or two before your baby signals they need a break by squirming or looking away, and that is completely okay! You can even use everyday routines like bathtime or diaper changes to chat, sing silly songs, and make eye contact to strengthen your bond.

Let Me Capture Those Newborn Smiles

As an Oklahoma newborn photographer, I know just how fast these early weeks fly by. Before you can catch your breath, those precious newborn days are zooming past in a blur of late night rocking chair cuddles and endless, heart melting moments. Long after you’ve stopped wondering when do newborns smile, you’ll want to remember every detail of how those little grins first lit up your world. Of course, one last reason your baby might smile is because I’m the one behind the camera taking their picture!

When you are ready to bottle up these precious early memories and document your little one’s rapid growth, I would love to help. You can easily reach out to Ashley McClintock Photography in Moore to reserve your session date and start planning your custom portrait experience today!