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Undoubtedly, there is nothing more special for a mother than seeing her baby smiling. A baby’s smile is a great way to bring a smile to the mother’s face.
If you are the mother of a little twinkling star, you may have noticed your baby smiling while sleeping. If so, you may think that your baby is having a pleasant dream or enjoying a relaxed sleep. However, there are a few other common things that will make your baby smile. So when you see your baby smiling, you may think, “Is my baby smiling, or is it gas?”
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What does a newborn’s smile mean?
If you are a first-time parent, you may not have much experience with the movements and behavior of the babies. So whenever your baby smiles, your heart may fluff with joy.
But you may have heard from your mother-in-law that babies often give fake smiles.
Their smiles are not the same as the smiles of adults. Their smile can mean that they are peeing, feeling comfy, falling asleep, and above all, passing gas. Yes, their smile can mean all this.
When talking about newborns and their smiles, gas is more likely the main reason behind their smiles. Smiles after a few days of birth are usually a sign that your baby is passing gas or peeing.
Related Post: How Often Do Babies Poop? [ How to monitor their bowel movements]
Reflex smile vs real smile
In newborns, there are mainly two different types of smiles: real and reflex. It can be easy to confuse the two, so let’s clarify the difference between them.
A reflex smile is short and random. It occurs when the baby is sleeping or peeing as in a response to internal sensations. In contrast, a genuine smile responds to the love coming towards the baby from the mother. A genuine is a response to something external.
When it’s a genuine smile, the baby’s whole face lightens up. While in a reflex smile, there is just a hint of a smile on the face. You may think that differentiating between the two is difficult, but it will get easier.
Smile at 6 to 8 weeks
Around 6 or 8 weeks, your baby develops a “social smile” that shows love and warmth for the mother.
Your baby is starting to develop human behavior; a smile can mean that your baby is trying to communicate with you. It may mean that the child wants attention or to play with you and your partner. Their smile could signal a strong connection between you and your little angel.
Can baby’s smile be a warning?
A baby’s smile can mean many wonderful things, but have you ever thought that a baby’s smile could be a warning sign?
Gelastic seizures are a rare form of epilepsy in which the individual has uncontrolled laughter or smiles. This also comes with an increased heart rate and a change in breathing. Be aware that your baby’s smile might not always be a positive sign.
How to encourage your baby to smile
Some babies don’t smile even after 2 to 3 months old, but there are several ways you can encourage your baby to smile.
Smile frequently at your baby. Smile at them, even without a particular reason, and it will help the little life smile back at you.
Play with your baby so that they feel joy.
Cuddle your baby so that they get more attached. These hugs can pay you off in the form of a cute smile on your little one’s face. Talk to your baby. Though they won’t understand your words, but they will understand the sound and the tone you are using.
Bottom line
A smiling baby seems as sweet as a cherry and can light up the faces of those around them. But as a parent, you must know the different between a genuine smile and one caused by gas.
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