Baby Not Smiling
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed baby not smiling, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Most babies begin smiling reflexively in the first few weeks and develop a true, intentional smile between 6-12 weeks of age. The timeline varies from baby to baby, and premature babies may smile later based on their adjusted age. If your baby is not smiling at all by 3 months, it is worth mentioning to your pediatrician, but many babies simply take a little longer.
Key takeaways
- Most babies begin smiling reflexively in the first few weeks and develop a true, intentional smile between 6-12 weeks of age. The timeline varies from baby to baby, and premature babies may smile later based on their adjusted age. If your baby is not smiling at all by 3 months, it is worth mentioning to your pediatrician, but many babies simply take a little longer.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is under 8 weeks old and you have not seen a real smile yet - reflexive smiles during sleep are common but intentional smiling is still developing
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has lost the ability to smile or shows a sudden decrease in social engagement after previously smiling - any loss of skills needs prompt evaluation
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, most babies begin smiling reflexively in the first few weeks and develop a true, intentional smile between 6-12 weeks of age. The timeline varies from baby to baby, and premature babies may smile later based on their adjusted age. If your baby is not smiling at all by 3 months, it is worth mentioning to your pediatrician, but many babies simply take a little longer. At 0-6 weeks, in the first few weeks, you may see "reflex smiles" - tiny, fleeting smiles that happen during sleep or at random. These are not intentional social smiles yet, but they are a normal part of early facial muscle development. Your baby is still learning to focus on faces and is not yet capable of smiling in response to social interaction. Do not worry if you are not seeing smiles yet. It is generally considered normal when your baby is under 8 weeks old and you have not seen a real smile yet - reflexive smiles during sleep are common but intentional smiling is still developing. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby has lost the ability to smile or shows a sudden decrease in social engagement after previously smiling - any loss of skills needs prompt evaluation.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 weeks
In the first few weeks, you may see "reflex smiles" - tiny, fleeting smiles that happen during sleep or at random. These are not intentional social smiles yet, but they are a normal part of early facial muscle development. Your baby is still learning to focus on faces and is not yet capable of smiling in response to social interaction. Do not worry if you are not seeing smiles yet.
6-12 weeks
This is the most common window for a baby's first true smile - a real, intentional smile in response to seeing your face, hearing your voice, or during pleasant interaction. It is one of the most rewarding milestones for parents. Some babies hit this earlier, some later. Premature babies should be assessed by their adjusted age (due date, not birth date).
3-4 months
By 3 months, most babies are smiling regularly in response to interaction with caregivers. They may also coo, gurgle, and show excitement when they see familiar faces. If your baby is 3 months and not yet showing any intentional smiles during face-to-face interaction, it is a good idea to bring this up at your next pediatric visit. Your doctor may want to check hearing and vision as well.
4-6 months
By 4-6 months, babies typically smile frequently, laugh, and show a range of facial expressions. If your baby is still not smiling at this age, your pediatrician will want to assess their social, visual, and hearing development. Early evaluation is always helpful and does not mean there is necessarily a problem - some babies need a bit more time or may have a treatable issue like a hearing difficulty.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby not smiling and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is 3 months old (or 3 months adjusted age for preemies) and has not shown any clear, intentional smiles in response to faces or voices.
- Mention if your baby used to smile and has stopped smiling, or smiles much less than they used to.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 8 weeks old and you have not seen a real smile yet - reflexive smiles during sleep are common but intentional smiling is still developing
- Your baby was premature and is not yet smiling based on their chronological age - use adjusted age for this milestone
- Your baby smiles at some times but not others, or smiles more for one parent than the other
- Your baby smiles but is a generally calm, serious, or observant baby who does not smile as frequently as other babies you see
- Your baby is 3 months old (or 3 months adjusted age for preemies) and has not shown any clear, intentional smiles in response to faces or voices
- Your baby used to smile and has stopped smiling, or smiles much less than they used to
- Your baby does not seem to focus on or show interest in faces at all by 2-3 months
- Your baby is not smiling and is also not making cooing sounds or showing interest in social interaction
- Your baby has lost the ability to smile or shows a sudden decrease in social engagement after previously smiling - any loss of skills needs prompt evaluation
- Your baby's face appears asymmetrical when they try to smile, or one side seems weaker, which could indicate a nerve issue
- Your baby seems unusually lethargic, unresponsive, or is not reacting to sounds or visual stimuli alongside not smiling
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby not smiling — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is under 8 weeks old and you have not seen a real smile yet - reflexive smiles during sleep are common but intentional smiling is still developing — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-6 weeks, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby has lost the ability to smile or shows a sudden decrease in social engagement after previously smiling - any loss of skills needs prompt evaluation.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby not smiling normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby not smiling?
When is baby not smiling normal?
What causes baby not smiling?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby not smiling?
Is baby not smiling normal at 0-6 weeks?
Is baby not smiling normal at 6-12 weeks?
Should I go to the ER for baby not smiling?
Does baby not smiling go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Emotional and Social Development: Birth to 3 Months. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Two Months. CDC
- [3]American Academy of Pediatrics. Developmental Milestones: 1 Month. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Not Smiling.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby not smiling and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is 3 months old (or 3 months adjusted age for preemies) and has not shown any clear, intentional smiles in response to faces or voices.
- Mention if your baby used to smile and has stopped smiling, or smiles much less than they used to.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby is 3 months old (or 3 months adjusted age for preemies) and has not shown any clear, intentional smiles in response to faces or voices
- Your baby used to smile and has stopped smiling, or smiles much less than they used to
- Your baby does not seem to focus on or show interest in faces at all by 2-3 months
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has lost the ability to smile or shows a sudden decrease in social engagement after previously smiling - any loss of skills needs prompt evaluation
- Your baby's face appears asymmetrical when they try to smile, or one side seems weaker, which could indicate a nerve issue
- Your baby seems unusually lethargic, unresponsive, or is not reacting to sounds or visual stimuli alongside not smiling
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby not smiling are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has lost the ability to smile or shows a sudden decrease in social engagement after previously smiling - any loss of skills needs prompt evaluation.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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