Eye contact / smiles at 6 weeks

[jezza1234]

Hi,

I am struggling a lot at the moment. Baby is 6 1/2 weeks and is very intermittent with eye contact, and has never smiled at me. He has smiled when playing with my partner once, and sometimes seems to smile to himself (not reflexive smile but while awake and looking at light/patterns.

i am terrified that he is autistic. I can’t help but compare him to his sister who was always looking at us. It is affecting me hugely, I can’t stop crying and obsessively googling. I know that I am anxious and have sought mental health support.

i guess I am still looking for reassurance - what is normal at 6 weeks?

thanks

Hello you seem very anxious about this situation. I’m sorry to hear. Worth speaking to GP and Health Visitors about this health concern.

6 week old babies can’t see very much let alone all smile on demand. It’s very normal.

Babies vary HUGELY...6 weeks is very early to be smiling consistently at anything, they really can't see very much!
I have 4 children. One smiled at 4 weeks...and IS autistic, one didn't smile for 4 months (and isn't)... they were just different personalities and had their own schedules :)
Now I have grandchildren... DGS1 ws smiling very early by 4 weeks, his little sister is 6 weeks and hasn't smiled at all yet.. mostly stares at bright lights ...she's a lot more chilled than her brother was from day 1 and sleepier.

I think in a month or so your baby will be different :) But... yes get help for the anxiety as it will probably continue (I had that with my eldest over EVERYTHING) and you can and should get support so that you can enjoy your baby x

thanks very much for this - I think I needed to hear that. I know that smiles are not the only sign of autism and also I know that being autistic is not a terrible thing! Just a symptom of my anxiety.

Honestly my heart goes out to you...I was exactly the same. My biggest fear was autism (well that came back to bite me ) and I worried over absolutely every tiny thing and made myself so stressed.
In reality, my other three have brought me more stress over the years, and one who who super early at everything and incredibly bright, was also diagnosed later down the line. My early diagnosed child was incredibly easy, a dear little baby, with other issues too, but he has grown into a lovely man..yes he has autism, but he's kind , gentle and while he will never be fully independent, he's a wonderful young man.
I still worry.. I watched DGS to check his development (I also work in Special Ed) and I have to stop myself now for DGD, but I also know that even if they did have developmental issues...it will be ok.
Hang in there and get some support for yourself.:)