By what age do children typically develop a social smile?

Children typically develop a social smile around 6 weeks of age. This milestone is significant in the realm of social development as it indicates that the infant is beginning to engage more actively with those around them. A social smile is an intentional expression of pleasure that infants display when interacting with caregivers, marking an important step in emotional and social development.

The development of a social smile around this age signifies that infants are starting to recognize and respond to social stimuli. It is a form of communication that fosters bonding between the child and their caregivers, which is vital for the child's emotional growth. This period is crucial as it sets the foundation for further social skills as they grow.

Although there may be variations in individual development, the consensus in developmental psychology is that around 6 weeks is the typical age when this behavior becomes apparent.