Day 31 with your newborn
The first smiles may be close 😊
Some babies begin offering early social smiles around this stage, though timing varies. When it comes, it can feel like sunlight after weeks of giving everything.
Whether a smile appears today or not, your baby is taking you in. Your presence is shaping their sense of safety.
How you might feel
How you might feel
You may still have days that feel emotionally flat or overwhelming. A lovely moment does not erase the hard parts, and the hard parts do not cancel the lovely ones.
Today's tip
Today's tip
Try a simple face-to-face moment after a feed when your baby is calm. Smile, pause, and let them respond in their own time.
Coming up
Coming up
More interaction is coming. The relationship you have been building is beginning to show itself back to you.
Checks and key dates around now
- Register the birthWithin 42 days in England and Wales
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice. Talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby has a high temperature, isn't feeding or is unusually sleepy, or you're worried about your own bleeding, pain or mood, get advice straight away from NHS 111 or your GP. In an emergency, call 999.