Babies smile while sleeping, that's normal! this is the scientific explanation

Some myths say that babies smile while sleeping because they are being invited to play or joke with spirits. Not infrequently this makes parents afraid and anxious. If this also happens to your little one, you don't need to worry. Smiling while sleeping is natural, there is even a scientific explanation. So, why does your little one often smile when sleeping?

Why do babies smile while sleeping?

In fact, during the first few weeks after delivery, the smile that babies have is not because they are responding to something or are feeling happy. This is a natural reflex that every baby has.

Yes, this condition is called neonatal smiling, which is when newborns smile spontaneously, not because of anything. This smile reflex has been owned by every baby since they are in the womb which comes from the stimulation of the subcortical part of the brain

Well, this smile also spontaneously occurs when your little one is asleep in his sleep. Moreover, if the baby is experiencing the REM sleep stage. At this stage, the baby will fall asleep soundly and the stimulation of the brain will increase, including in the subcortical part.

Therefore, you will often see babies smile while sleeping in the early weeks of their birth. But as we get older, this smile response will diminish.

A baby's smile also shows emotional development

If the baby has entered the age of 2 months, then the smile it will have is no longer spontaneous that comes from brain stimulation. Babies will start to smile as a result of responding to various things they see, of course, these smiles are the result of their emotional responses.

At this age, the baby's brain develops, his vision begins to improve, and begins to recognize the faces of those around him. Babies will also respond to sound stimuli that appear, such as the voice of mother, father, or toys. The response this baby gives is with a smile.

As the baby's ability to respond to stimuli from his environment increases, the stimulation of the subcortical parts of the brain begins to decrease. The older he is, the less likely you will see him smile while sleeping.

When babies enter the age of 5-6 months they have various forms of smile to laugh and show their emotions, namely happiness, joy, and interest in something.

Then entering the age of 7-8 months the baby is increasingly active in interacting, not only giving a response in the form of a smile, the baby begins to give a lot of audio responses by making small sounds while smiling.

Parents must be vigilant if your little one doesn't smile at all

A smile is one sign of your little one's development. A smiling baby indicates that he has experienced emotional development and is able to clearly see his surroundings.

So, if your little one is over two months old but doesn't show a smile, you need to worry. Maybe this indicates a disturbance in the development of your little one.

To find out the exact condition, consult this with your pediatrician.