Long before their first words, babies are already communicating. In fact, infants can display a range of expressions, from smiles to frowns, even within the womb, often captured during ultrasound scans. However, these early expressions in a newborn’s life are typically natural reflexes that will gradually diminish as they grow.
As your little one develops, they will cultivate a remarkable ability to express themselves more intentionally. Soon enough, parents will begin to witness their baby showcasing affection through an array of adorable and heartwarming behaviors, solidifying that precious parent-child bond.
Drawing insights from Firstcry Parenting, here are five unmistakable signs that your baby is beginning to show their love for both mom and dad.
5 Signs Your Baby Is Showing You Love
1. Smiling
While initial smiles are often reflexive, your baby will typically start offering genuine social smiles between 6 to 8 weeks of age. This delightful milestone signals that they are beginning to recognize their parents’ faces and experience pure joy and contentment in your presence. Beyond just smiling, your little one might even respond to your gentle words with an adorable little coo or giggle, confirming their growing connection.
2. Reaching Out to Be Held
Babies inherently love being held close. Around 6 months of age, as their physical and cognitive abilities advance, they will develop the motor skills to purposefully lift their arms, signaling their desire to be picked up. This simple yet profound gesture is an eloquent demonstration of your baby’s deep trust and sense of security in their parents, recognizing you as their ultimate source of comfort and warmth.
3. Giving Kisses
As babies begin to crawl, typically between 7 and 10 months, their world expands, and they become more mobile, eager to explore their surroundings. During this exciting phase, some little ones will purposefully crawl towards mom or dad, offering an adorable, albeit often slobbery, kiss on the cheek. While these heartfelt gestures might leave your face a little damp, parents universally cherish these messy yet undeniable expressions of nascent affection and love, don’t you agree?
4. Playfully Collapsing Onto You
While some babies take their first steps as early as 9-10 months, others may begin walking around their first birthday or even later. As they gain confidence in their newfound mobility, you might notice your little one attempting to “run” before playfully dropping their body onto you. This charming behavior is a profound sign of their unwavering trust, as they perceive you as their ultimate safe and comforting haven, a soft landing spot in their adventurous world.
5. Displaying Possessiveness
Observing your baby exhibit increasingly possessive behaviors is a powerful indicator of their deep affection and strong attachment to both parents. This often becomes apparent when a parent holds another child in front of their baby. A previously calm infant might suddenly become visibly upset, cry, or even display exaggerated reactions. These behaviors are a clear attempt to monopolize your attention, underscoring just how much they cherish their unique bond with you.
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Babies show love through various behaviors developing over time. Genuine smiles appear around 6-8 weeks, indicating recognition and joy. Later, reaching out to be held (around 6 months) and giving kisses (7-10 months) demonstrate trust and affection.
Further signs of love include playfully collapsing onto a parent, showing reliance and comfort, and displaying possessiveness, such as reacting negatively when attention is diverted to others. These behaviors highlight the growing bond between baby and parent.