At what age should a normally developing infant FIRST demonstrate a social smile?
- A 2 to 3 weeks
- B 3 to 4 months
- C 6 to 8 weeks ✓
- D 5 to 6 months
Correct answer: C. 6 to 8 weeks
Explanation
Social smile normally appears at 6 to 8 weeks of age. Smiling before this period is reflexive and not socially directed. Absence of social smile by 3 months is a red flag for developmental delay or autism spectrum disorder. This milestone is one of the earliest reliable social developmental markers.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.