Newborns can display "reflexive smiles" during sleep or after feeding, which are more about muscle movements than emotional responses. Seasoned parents know to check for a dirty diaper when a one-month-old appears to smile 😉
Around 6 to 8 weeks, you may notice your newborn smiles when they see your face, and it starts to feel more intentional. It is! Month two is typically when genuine "social smiles" emerge.
They'll become more interactive and expressive as their cognitive and social skills develop. Their first laugh won't be far behind, with baby giggles typically coming in by four months old.