Smile and laughter … What could be easier for an adult? But for a baby, the first conscious smile is a turning point in his life. After all, a smile that appeared on time speaks of the correct development of the baby and significant changes in his emotional perception of the world.
What does the first smile of a baby mean?
An unconscious smile can be seen in a small child almost from birth. But this will not be a reaction to mom and dad or to another close person, if only because the child still does not see well and does not recognize any of his close relatives by sight. Such a physiological smile does not carry any emotional coloring and is more like just a grimace, a dress rehearsal of an impending miracle.
Usually in the first weeks of life, the baby is focused and serious.
The baby begins to really smile only at the age of 5-8 weeks. It is during this period that a reflex or a complex of revival awakens in him. At this time, the baby knocks hard with his hands and feet, turns his head, opens his eyes wide and tries to catch a loving look. And now the smile of a little person means that he is not only full and calm, but also that he is experiencing real joy, he is overwhelmed with emotions, he wants to communicate.
The first smile does not appear for all children at the same time. For some, this happens a little earlier, for others - a little later. And in this you can already see the manifestation of the temperament and individuality of the child.
However, if the baby is developing correctly, and the parents communicate with him a lot and give him all their warmth, most likely, soon he will definitely make them happy with his real smile.
Can an infant be taught to smile?
Of course, you can teach a baby to smile only indirectly, because a smile is, first of all, a manifestation of a state of mind. However, it has long been noticed that babies tend to copy the facial expressions of their parents. Therefore, giving your child warm smiles, you will clearly show him how to smile.
In order to make your child smile in return, you should choose a time when he will be full, calm and satisfied, and nothing will distract him from communicating with you. But it is always necessary to support the child in his expression of joy and emotions. Catch every smile of your baby and be sure to rejoice with him.
Your little one’s smile is also his greeting. Therefore, never forget to greet him with a return smile, without words to show him how glad and happy you are that he is with you. Smile at your child as often as possible, and then he will grow up to be an open, kind and confident person.
