Smiling newborn photography

As a Boston newborn photographer, I see a lot of smiling babies and capturing one always makes my day!  The more I photograph little ones, the better I am at predicting when they’re about to smile.  Of course, I always see it coming when I’m changing props and I don’t have my camera in hand. lol  But I’ve been lucky enough to capture some big, gorgeous baby smiles.  Below are a handful of favorites (though I have many more images to share in another post!).  So, go on.. get your baby fix and read more about baby smiles.  I dare you not to smile back! 😀

What do baby smiles mean?

Through my various newborn photography safety trainings, I’ve learned that newborn smiles are a reflex.  At times, there are hints when the baby is about to give me a gummy smile, for example, certain facial expressions and their falling into REM sleep.  But, for the most part, they are spontaneous and random.  According to a Parents.com article (here), neonatal smiles are reflexes that are “similar to the jerky arm and leg movements your baby’s body experiences as it goes through the equipment-testing process.”  The reflex-smiles lessen as the baby develops and matures.  So, premature babies actually smile more than full-term newborns.  Pretty interesting!

Real baby smiles

I usually see “real” smiles during two and three-month baby sessions.  At this stage of development, babies start to smile as a reaction to auditory and visual stimulation.  They smile as they begin to recognize and learn mom & dad’s faces and voices.  Babies also start realizing that smiles are a way to connect with others and it’s a way to communicate happiness and excitement.

Real or not, there is no denying there is nothing sweeter than a baby’s smile.  Here are ten smiling newborn photos to brighten your day.

Want to know more about smiling babies?

This blog post was inspired by the following articles: When Do Babies Start Smiling? and Why Babies Smile

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Contact Isabel Sweet!

I am a baby and newborn photographer in the Boston area.  I am happy to provide boutique photography services to the South End, Back Bay, Fenway, Beacon Hill, Brookline, Cambridge, South Boston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Needham, Newton, and beyond!  All sessions take place in the comfort of your own home or favorite location.  These sessions took place all over Massachusetts