When is 'not smiling' a problem?

[IBelieveInPink]

DS is almost 8 weeks old. Still not smiling. I know from extensive googling that it should be 'any day now' BUT, I can't help worrying a little.
Just wondered, when is not smiling an issue? And, what could it mean?
Thank you!

[IBelieveInPink]

Oooh hello

I'm putting the work in. I must look ridiculous, but I haven't found anything that tickles his sense of humour yet!

He occasionally looks at me. More often than not he avoids eye contact.
He will sometimes look at a toy. Sometimes look away from it.

[IBelieveInPink]

Aww hi!

Thanks. I'm trying not to stress yet.

Was just wondering when is time to see someone/ what it could mean. While of course knowing that he will be smiling 'any day now'

[ImperialBlether]

Does he look up at you when he's feeding?

[IBelieveInPink]

No, doesn't look at me at all when feeding. Stares straight ahead.

[ImperialBlether]

Do you think he might have problems seeing?

Does he have a problem hearing? If there is a noise, does he turn his head at all?

[ImperialBlether]

Does he 'track' a toy with his eyes, if you move it from one side to another?

[IBelieveInPink]

He definitely hears things (his big sister being one of them!)

Couldn't say for sure about seeing. We've had times when he seems to look at us, more so recently. And he has turned to look at a toy but it may have been a noisy one, I can't remember. I'll check when he wakes

[ImperialBlether]

Does he seem a happy baby, regardless of not smiling yet? Does he seem to snuggle against you if you touch his face? Does he turn his face into your neck if he's held against you?

[IBelieveInPink]

He definitely tracks toys.

He's quite content... We don't have much screaming and shouting. But not necessarily snuggly as you describe, Although he does prefer being held.

[IBelieveInPink]

Can you believe, he only went and gave me a big beaming smile earlier! Wee bandit.

Thanks for listening to my (apparently pointless) worries!

[ImperialBlether]

Oh for goodness sake!! You realise this is the first of many frustrating times you will have with your baby, don't you?!

How lovely - I hope you get a great photo of him grinning away - blow it up and put it on the wall and realise you have nothing to worry about.

[IBelieveInPink]

I think he heard me calling him a grumpy old man! I've already got a picture of the third smile (wasn't ready for the first 2, so not prepared!). Will pop it on the wall!

[Inkymess]

Neither of mine smiled until 12 weeks plus. My DD was 16 weeks I reckon. She just watched and frowned. Years later both very bright and articulate