Baby's first social smile
2nd month, 1st week
By encouraging your child to smile, you help him build self-esteem. This
lets them know that their feelings are important and can influence their
environment. It is also important for their overall brain development.
Here are some tips to make you smile:
- Choose a time when your child is relaxed. A hungry baby is not inclined to smile.
- Hold the baby in your arms so that his face is very close to yours. Remember that at this age your baby sees best at a distance of 20-30 cm.
- Smile broadly and greet them warmly in that singsong tone that parents do so well.
Your baby's development this
week
After two difficult months of night feedings and diaper changes, you're
in for a treat.
Surely you have seen your baby smile shortly after birth. Often newborns
smile in their sleep.
Sometimes smiling in the first few weeks of life is just a sign that
your little ball is getting windy. But from 6 to 8 weeks of age, babies develop
a “social smile.”
This is an important step. Your pediatrician will ask you if you saw
your baby smile during the two month checkup. So be on the lookout.
Here's what your baby's smile means at this stage:
- They grow up and begin to understand human behavior.
- They understand that smile gets your attention.
- Your child's brain development is progressing and his communication skills are on the right track.
Month 2, week 1 tips
- If you are trying to make your child smile but can't make him smile, don't worry. This may take several attempts.
- Your child may smile in front of you and not make eye contact with you. It's just their way of avoiding stimulation overload and gaining some control over their world.
- If your baby was born premature, give him a few extra weeks or a month to smile. As a rule, the earlier, the more time it will take to catch up.
- Respect the differences between you and your partner in how each of you plays with your child. Dads often wake up children during play, and moms are more careful. Your little one loves both styles.
- For fathers who find it difficult to be a new parent, the extra time spent with their child helps strengthen relationships and relieve stress.
- Caring for a child at this age still requires effort. Work with your partner to replace each other during sleep, exercise, or the "downtime" that every parent needs.
- Keep in touch: Make time for yourself and your partner while the baby is sleeping or someone else is watching.