It is normal to worry about your baby not smiling – there is no parent or caregiver who won’t be concerned about this. One of the most beautiful things about a baby is their smile. A baby’s smile is contagious, and it is impossible not to feel frightened if your baby doesn’t smile at you.
Naturally, when we see a baby, the first thing we expect from them is a smile. So, we look into their eyes and make out funny faces just to get that cute smile – which they so wholeheartedly give.
In this article, we will discuss all you need to know and should do about your baby not smiling. Let us get started and ensure you read to the end so that you do not miss any information.
When Should I Worry About My Baby Not Smiling?
Honestly, as a parent or caregiver, you will become worried the moment when you notice your baby is not smiling. But at what time should you be concerned and seek help? Well, let us find out.
Smiling is important in babies as it shows the development of their sense organs and motor skills. When a baby can react to an action and smile at you, it is a sign that they are conscious of the environment.
So, if after a couple of months, you notice that your baby does not smile at you, it is a sign that either the baby lacks environmental consciousness. Or the baby is unable to control the nerves responsible for smiling and laughter.
Either way, it is not a good sign, and you should consider taking the child to a doctor that has been attending to the baby or a medical specialist. When your baby doesn’t smile, it could be an indication of an underlying development delay in the baby.
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When Will My Baby Start Smiling At Me?
Under normal circumstances, your baby should start smiling at you – and everyone else, when they are around 6 and 8 months old.
According to medical experts, babies develop their social smile muscles around this period and are able to share smiles, laughter, and warmth. As a parent or caregiver, you need to be conscious of this development. This is because it is an important milestone in the baby’s mental development process.
In my case, my pediatrician informed me early of the importance of my baby smiling at me when she was around two months old. He specifically told me to be conscious and look out for her grin because it is an important sign. Gladly, she did at around eight weeks, and I was glad.
However, if you are yet to see your baby smile at you after eight weeks, do not panic. In this article, we will tell you all you need to know and how to handle the situation.
Baby Stopped Smiling at 4 Months – What Should I Do?
There is a difference between your baby not smiling by 4 months and when your baby has stopped smiling at 4 months old.
If you notice that your baby has stopped smiling at 4 months, you have every right to be concerned, but do not panic. In most cases, babies stop smiling when they are around 4 months old because they are getting more matured.
As they grow older, they are able to experience other feelings and would no longer respond with a smile to every gesture. Also, they may also look for persistence and sustainability before engaging in smiles or laughter. So, you may notice that something that would get them cracking 2 months ago, no longer gives them a go.
Another thing is that they may already be used to the gestures, and it isn’t just funny to them anymore. So, there is really no cause for alarm, especially if all other vital signs to indicate the baby’s development are positive.
However, if you feel a strong need for concern about your instincts, then you should pay a visit to your pediatrician for further consultation.
Why Do Babies Smile at Nothing?
Funny, isn’t it? But there are times when you will just notice your baby smiling at nothing or even in their sleep. The first question that may come to your mind is ‘why?’
Well, as babies grow, their brain develops and they become more conscious of their environment. So, it is normal for them to smile at anything that excites them or catches their eyes.
Also, as in the case of a baby smiling in her sleep, this could be as a result of nerve reflexes. Smiles are a major part of the developmental reflexes a baby experiences during development.
If you are like me, then you would always smile back at your sleeping baby whenever he or she smiles. It is always our belief that they are remembering something pleasant and exciting – which is a good thing.
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My 5 Month Old Doesn’t Laugh Often – Should I Worry?
According to many types of research carried out on babies, the results indicate that a healthy baby should start laughing between three and five months. So, it is normal for parents and caregivers to feel a bit of concern if a baby is not laughing at five months old.
However, if you notice that the other developmental signs in the baby are intact, then you do not need to worry. Your baby is just getting more mature and experiencing more emotions – other than laughter.
But in a situation where you notice that your baby is not making eye contact – and this is the reason the baby isn’t laughing. Then you should speak to your pediatrician about it because eye contacts are very important, and it is a vital milestone in a baby’s development.
When Should I Worry About My Baby Not Smiling?
Normally, your baby should be smiling and making eye contact with people at two months of age. If under any circumstances you notice that between two and three months, your baby still hasn’t smiled. Then it would be best if you spoke to your medical adviser.
On many occasions, there is usually no cause for alarm because all babies are different – as I always say. But the doctor will check or guide you to check on the baby’s vital signs that would help determine if there is a problem.
When other vital signs are intact and the baby is developing as he or she should. The medical expert would ask you to monitor the baby for another couple of weeks. Two things you should never do when you notice that your baby is not smiling is not to panic. Then two, do not take advice from anyone who is not a medical expert.
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Frequently Asked Questions – When Should I Worry About My Baby Not Smiling?
4 Year Old Laughing in Sleep – What Does It Mean?
Answer: Laughing in your sleep is referred to as hypnogely, and it is common among children. This may be as a result of an amusing dream or some sort of subconscious activity in your baby. So, there is naturally no cause for alarm.
However, in rear cases, laughing during sleep can be as a result of a neurological issue in the baby. It could also be as a result of a Sleep Behavior Disorder (SBD), which causes people to carry out actions in their sleep.
If you feel this is the issue with your 4 year old, then you should consult your medical adviser for assistance.
When Do Babies Stop Smiling in Their Sleep?
Answer: Under normal circumstances, babies between the ages of three to four years old should have stopped smiling in their sleep. If the occurrence continues after this period, it is best to consult a medical expert to ensure that there is no underlying issue.
On many occasions, there is no underlying issue, and the baby is just delaying in letting go of a habit – as many babies often do.
What is Baby Sleep Behavior Disorder, and When Should I be Worried?
Answer: Sleep behavior disorder in children can be common, and many babies experience Rapid Eye Movement (REM). This occurs when a baby exhibits certain reflexes during his or her physiological development – like smiling during sleep.
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is a baby sleep disorder that involves the baby acting awake even when asleep. It is also called dream enacting. You should contact a medical professional when you notice that the movements are getting intense or violent.
Conclusion
A smiling baby is a light in a room. As parents and caregivers, we should be concerned about our babies and take every little detail into consideration.
You should also try to document your baby’s first smile and other important milestones in their development. Apart from them being good memories to document, when your kids grow up, they would appreciate you for it.
Lastly, keep in mind – as I always say – try your best not to panic, and when in doubt, seek the advice of a medical professional. You should not act on advise or suggestions from friends and family members.