8 week old not smiling

[kirdy]

My daughter is 9 weeks old this week and she still is yet to smile at anyone and she does not seem to focus on my face she looks straight through me or above me had her 8 week check last week and doctor also picked this up and wants me to take her back in next week. Now im a little worried, what could it be?

Sorry you have this worry kirdy Is everthing else alright with her? Is everything ok with you, too?

It can be a tough time, waiting for that first smile, that first confirmation that hopefully you're doing ok. DD was 9-10 weeks before I could confidently state she'd smiled. She was 3 and a bit weeks prem though and I'm given to understand this can be a factor - was your DD early?

With regards the vision, I think I'm right in saying that young babies can't see details very well so it does appear that they look 'around' you, looking at the outline of your face, your hairline, the contrast between you and the background etc. Is it possible your DD is doing this?

So, I wouldn't necessarily be concerned by what you describe BUT I'm not a doctor so it's excellent that your GP is being so diligent in carrying out these early checks on your daughter.

I hope everything turns out fine for you and please try not to worry too much in the meantime.

She was born at 37 weeks which is not to early really. Her development in other areas is what it should be just her vision im worried about. She also will cry every single time she is put down she has to be held or have her hand held other wise sge will just scream and scream. Its just worrying cuz I have two other children and they were both early smilers and loved staring at new faces. Where as her eyes seem to dart all over the place and when she does look towards a shape or shadow looks scared :-(

Oh, I'm sorry you're so worried about this. I do hope your visit to the GP will put your mind at rest.

DD was born just before 37 weeks, so although she was almost term she was still a good 3 weeks from her due date and 5 weeks earlier than some of her little friends who were overdue. I was told that in these early days it really can make a difference. She cried a lot and didn't like to be put down but she was our first so we didn't know any different. She was quite colicky and had silent reflux too so her first smile could not have come sooner - DH and I were almost on our knees and somehow it made everything much easier.

DS was born just before 38 weeks but was a totally different baby. Smiled at around 7-8 weeks but was so laid back and happy, calm and easy going, that we didn't worry nearly so much. The time they both smiled, perhaps coincidentally!, did seem to tally with approximately 6 weeks from their due date - they say to expect smiles around 6 weeks I think?

We've often said that if we'd had them the other way round (as you have - easier babies first!) then we'd have been in for quite a shock.

Please try not to worry - she's so tiny, it could just be how she is at the moment. The GP will, I hope, be able to rule out anything other than normal development.