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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

baby not smiling at 6 weeks

22 replies

elizaregina · 07/12/2012 19:36

hello wasnt sure where to post - had 6 week check and the doctor has really worried me about baby not smiling yet.

she does what i would think is the windy smile -but not as i remever with DD1 which was eye contact = me saying something and her smiling...

dd2 has been asleep loads and only just waking up alot more - and looking round - he kept stressing to keep them updated at the 8 week jabs!!!

any ideas!!

OP posts:
ohmygoshandgolly · 07/12/2012 19:40

I was also really worried when DD2 didn't smile at 6 weeks. DS and DD1 both smiled at 5 weeks.

She then gave a beautiful smile at 8 weeks (much to my relief!) and hasn't stopped smiling since.

I'm sure your little one's smile is just around the corner.

Footface · 07/12/2012 20:04

Ds didn't smile at 6 week, he also slept a lot to for about 8 weeks. I did tell my gp this and she just said just keep an eye on it. He's two now, and honestly he's so sociable and friendly

queenofthepirates · 07/12/2012 20:09

Sounds like lots of silly faces and a bit of tickling are needed. Call the grandparents, that's their field of expertise.

Seriously though, I'm sure you will be fine but always good to keep an eye of developmental stuff over the long haul. x

EugenesAxeChoppedDownANiceTree · 07/12/2012 20:13

I thought a concious (rather than windy) smile was normal between 6-8 weeks. I wouldn't worry at all at this stage.

Two weeks, then you can go for it Xmas Grin

No seriously, I just Googled and most sites say it's a red flag (for SPD/ASD) at four months.

SuzySheepSmellsNice · 07/12/2012 20:15

I don't think DS smiled until he was closer to 12 weeks, he was a fairly grumpy little chap! Now he's always smiling and is a healthy, affectionate, gorgeous little tinker... Don't worry! :)

Original poster
elizaregina · 07/12/2012 20:28

thanks everyone why do they take it so serioulsy?

honeslty i wondered if the doc was ok - he was asking if she was my first child with my other 5 year old DD in the appointment with me!

i then mentioned my wound from the ..operation and he said " what operation" he didnt ask me - any questions or do any checks bar

" how do you feel in yourself".

BUT in this haze of nothingness - he flagged up on the smiles....

She was born at 38 weeks and has been sleeping mostly only just sort of becoming more alert now - and really looking at you etc....so hasnt been much opportunity for tickling etc...

OP posts:
HappyHugs · 07/12/2012 21:47

I wouldn't worry yet, I think my grumpy wee man was 12 wks before o caught a smile. Give it time.

brettgirl2 · 09/12/2012 13:34

Neither of mine smiled by 6 weeks. They were prob 7-8.

Napsalot · 09/12/2012 13:41

My paediatrician said smiling should happen within 2 months of your due date. HTH

VisualiseAHorse · 09/12/2012 21:43

I think mine smiled at about 9 weeks - now smiles from the minute we wkes up at 7.5 monts.
A friend swears her baby didn't smile until he was 4 months! Maybe not true, but it was very very hard to make him smile.

NatashaBee · 09/12/2012 22:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

toomuchturkeyatendofthedinner · 09/12/2012 22:19

Mine was over 7 weeks, and that was not unusual at all in my baby group. Sounds like the GP you saw was a bit clueless about newborns, I know they can't all be an expert on everything so don't worry. Bit concerning that he didn't check your wound though, I would ask for another appt with someone else if you have any concerns at all about this.

podgymumma · 14/12/2012 00:26

We have 8 week checks in my area rather than 8 week checks. The majority of my group's babies were smiling for the 8 week check.

ballroomblitz · 14/12/2012 00:48

My ds was 12 weeks before he smiled. Grumpy wee sod that he was.

KatoPotatoHoHo · 14/12/2012 00:54

I read somewhere that just as you're about to give up and leave them on a cliff for the vultures... You get your first smile (12weeks) it's nature and all that!!

redwellybluewelly · 14/12/2012 09:59

Ah - saw that you had her at 38 weeks, mine was 42+ weeks and smiled at 4 weeks, my niece smiled neared 8/9 weeks and was born at 37 weeks. She will catch up and being a smidge early will play a part.

my niece was also a good sleeper, catching up on lost womb time, my DD never ever slept, was awake and had head control from day 1

elliejjtiny · 15/12/2012 17:39

DS3 first smiled at 9 weeks. The HV was in a right flap about it but I kept saying that he had reflux and was miserable, no wonder he wasn't smiling.

GrasshopperNchipmunk · 15/12/2012 21:37

I was discussing this very thing with a child paediatrician at work on Friday, she advised that if a baby is not smiling by the 8 week check, to consult the GP...

KatoPotatoHoHo · 16/12/2012 08:17

Gosh I'm glad I never had MN when DS was little! He was 12 weeks for sure!

Original poster
elizaregina · 17/12/2012 11:20

But why grass hopper....

my GP was useless to be honest - and he made me really worrid about it, he didnt even know - ( and its his practise) that you cant get appts for the 8 week immunisation - that you had to ring up on the day...he kept saying " if she isnt smiling by then do let us know when you come for the 8 week check."

She cant get her 8 wee immunisations until 11 weeks due to xmas - do i call the doc? do i just wait and ignore him...what cna they do if babies arnt smiling?

FWIW she is definalty smiling at wind and it looks like her eyes are about to smile - but still no " proper" engaged smile yet.

OP posts:
redwellybluewelly · 17/12/2012 19:22

eliza

Do
Not
Worry

Baby was a few weeks early of 40weeks which is 'average gestation' and all the 'average milestones; are based on 'average gestation', give it till the new year they go find yourself some advice if you are worried - relax - enjoy your beautiful girl

Original poster
elizaregina · 17/12/2012 20:53

40weeks which is 'average gestation' and all the 'average milestones; are based on 'average gestation

yes v true - thanks.....

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