How do infants typically respond to familiar carers by 6 weeks old?

At around 6 weeks of age, infants begin to exhibit social smiles, which is a significant developmental milestone. This response to familiar carers demonstrates their ability to recognize and engage with their primary caregivers. Smiling serves as an important form of communication, indicating pleasure and connection. It is the beginning of social interaction, and this behavior often elicits positive responses from carers, reinforcing the bond between the infant and their caregiver.

This ability to smile signifies an emotional connection and is crucial for social development in infants, as it leads to further social engagement and bonding experiences. Infants typically start to smile in response to familiar faces, showcasing their growing awareness and emotional responses to the people around them.