When newborns come into the world, they often announce their arrival with a loud cry, while smiles are skills that will gradually emerge later. At around two months old, little ones begin to unconsciously tug at the corners of their mouths, with a half-smile that may still carry a hint of confusion in their eyes. Facing such a scene, new parents sometimes feel anxious, worrying if this means there is a problem with the baby’s development. However, in reality, it is completely normal for a two-month-old infant not to have mastered the skill of smiling.
During this period, when babies notice their parents or familiar faces, they show clear interest, waving their arms and legs, occasionally responding with a brief smile. This is the baby’s initial attempt at communication with others, marking the beginning of their social journey. Parents often can’t hide their joy when they see their baby’s first smile. Gently caressing the baby’s little hands, tenderly saying, “You’re smiling, that’s wonderful!” then embracing the baby close, cheek to cheek, such intimate interaction not only deepens the emotional bond between parent and child but also encourages the baby to show more smiles.
As time passes, babies gradually learn to establish more frequent interactions with familiar people through waving, smiling, and other ways, in search of more warmth and love. It is worth noting that each child’s growth pace varies, so parents need not worry excessively about when their baby will smile. Playing with the baby, using bright-colored toys, balloons, etc., to attract their attention can enhance parent-child interactions and promote the development of the baby’s physical coordination subtly.
