When will my baby start smiling?

You may start to see your baby smiling at around 2 – 3 months of age as they begin to express more emotion. Smiling is one of the earliest forms of communication between you and your little one, so it’s an important time for bonding and connecting with you.  Make eye contact often and talk to your baby during care routines. These everyday moments are the building blocks of a loving and secure relationship with your child. 

As you navigate this milestone together, here are some everyday ways to talk, read, sing and play with your baby: 
 
Talk: try to be face-to-face with your baby when you are talking. They will learn from hearing your voice, seeing your lips move, and watching your expressions change. 
 
Read: make reading to your baby part of your daily routine. Your baby loves the sound of your voice, and stories at bedtime can help soothe and relax them. 
 
Sing: sing tickling songs like Round and Round the Garden on the palm of your little one's hand or This Little Piggy on their toes. Your baby will be all smiles as you activate their senses. 

Play: face-to-face play, like peek-a-boo, strengthens the connection between you and your baby and allows them to hear your voice, see your lips moving and observe how words are formed.    

For more tips to match your baby’s age and stage, sign up to our free eNews and go into the draw to win all 12 stories for little Queenslanders.  
 
At First 5 Forever, we’re all about connection. Here are some helpful links to connect you to expert voices and resources to support your family through the early years: 

Raising Children Network  

Play Matters 

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program 

Family and Child Connect 

Pregnancy Birth and Baby