From the very beginning, babies are wired for relationships. By the time your baby is 2 or 3 months old, you’ll likely notice them watching faces, responding to voices, and—most memorably—smiling at you with pure delight. These early social and emotional moments are more than sweet milestones—they’re building blocks for healthy brain development.
Your baby’s first “real” smile usually appears between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Unlike the sleepy or reflex smiles from earlier weeks, this one is purposeful—a real social signal that says, “I see you. I like this.” Smiling is one of the first ways babies communicate and start mini-conversations. They begin to realize that when they smile, someone smiles back—and that gives them a sense of connection and control.
As your baby gets better at holding your gaze, mimicking your expressions, and cooing in response to your voice, they’re learning the rhythms of human interaction—like taking turns, using facial expressions, and feeling seen and understood. These small back-and-forth exchanges are the foundation for future communication, self-esteem, and emotional resilience.
By three months, many babies become “smile talk” pros. They may watch your face, wait for your smile, then beam back with a full-body grin—arms waving, eyes sparkling. You may also see them respond differently to familiar faces versus new ones. That’s because they’re starting to recognize who’s part of their world.
Why This Matters
These early social and emotional milestones help your baby feel safe, loved, and understood—which lays the groundwork for healthy relationships, emotional regulation, and learning later on. Understanding and responding to your baby’s cues builds trust, strengthens your bond, and gives them confidence to explore their growing world.
Try This at Home
1. Have “face time”—the real kind.
Spend a few minutes every day face-to-face with your baby, talking, smiling, and waiting for their response. Your warm, expressive face is their favorite toy—and they’re learning a lot from it.
2. Narrate your day.
Tell your baby what you're doing as you change diapers, feed them, or get ready to go outside. Use a calm, sing-song voice. They may not understand the words yet, but they’re picking up on your tone and attention.
3. Mirror their expressions.
When your baby coos, smile or coo back. Imitating each other builds their understanding of communication and helps them feel connected and valued.
4. Let them set the pace.
If your baby looks away or seems overstimulated, give them a little space. Babies sometimes need breaks, and letting them control the interaction helps them feel safe.
5. Know it’s okay to take a break.
If your baby is crying and nothing seems to help, it's okay to gently place them in their crib and take a moment to breathe. Taking care of yourself helps you care for them, too. If crying becomes overwhelming, talk with your pediatrician—they’re here to help.
Did you know?
By three months, babies can show preference for certain people and are already learning the basics of social interaction—just from your everyday moments together.
Source: Adapted from Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age Five, 7th Edition (© 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics)