Babies with brain damage can usually smile, but developmental delays may affect when this milestone appears. The severity of a brain injury plays a role — some babies smile within the typical timeframe, while others take longer. If your baby hasn’t smiled by three months, talking to a doctor can help you understand their growth and what steps to take next.
Why Early Milestones Like Smiling Matter
Developmental milestones track a baby’s growth and progress. While brain damage in babies may not always be immediately visible, delays in milestones like smiling can be early warning signs.
Developmental milestones are skills 75% or more of children achieve by a certain age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Missing a key milestone like smiling may be a sign that a baby suffered brain damage or another birth injury, especially if other symptoms are observed.
Developmental milestones are categorized into different types, including:
- Cognitive
- Communication
- Emotional
- Physical
- Social
Smiling is considered a social milestone, typically appearing around 6 to 12 weeks as babies begin responding to interactions. While most babies smile socially by three months, some may take longer.
If your baby hasn’t smiled yet or is missing other milestones, talking to a doctor can help assess their development and address any concerns.
“Developmental delays can result from birth trauma, prenatal infections, or medications, as well as complications during labor and delivery.”
— Andi Lowe, RN
Do Babies With Cerebral Palsy Smile?
Most babies with cerebral palsy (CP) can smile, but the timing may vary depending on the severity of their condition.
Since CP affects muscle control and coordination, the timing of a cerebral palsy baby smile varies. Some infants reach this milestone on schedule, while others may take longer due to muscle challenges.
Developmental delays are common symptoms of cerebral palsy, and smiling may appear later as a result. Tracking progress and consulting a doctor can help assess development and provide early support if needed.
If smiling or other milestones seem delayed, it may be a sign of an underlying condition, including CP or another form of brain damage.
Signs of Brain Damage in Infants
If a child experienced brain damage during birth, getting an early diagnosis is important. Treatment is often more effective when started as soon as possible.
Certain signs may indicate newborn brain damage, and recognizing them early can help ensure your baby gets the care they need.
Infant brain damage symptoms include:
- Arching of the back
- Difficulty eating
- Excessive, high-pitched crying
- Eye movement disorders
- Inability to lift the head
- Limp or stiff muscles
- Sensitivity to light
- Visible head or scalp injury
A baby displaying these signs may have some form of brain damage. Common birth injuries linked to brain damage include CP, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
If you have concerns about your child, our labor and delivery nurses are trained to recognize signs of brain damage in infants and can help you understand your next steps.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 to connect with a registered nurse — for free.
Causes of Newborn Brain Damage
Newborn brain damage can result from various factors, including maternal health conditions, genetic disorders, and medical errors during labor and delivery.
Identifying risk factors early and ensuring proper medical care can help prevent serious harm.
Some common causes of newborn brain damage include:
- Assisted delivery tools: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction can cause head trauma, bleeding in the brain, or nerve damage.
- Birth trauma: A difficult delivery can cause physical injuries, including brain damage, especially if excessive force is used or complications arise.
- Jaundice: While mild jaundice is common, untreated severe jaundice can lead to kernicterus, a preventable form of brain damage.
- Maternal infections: Certain infections passed from mother to baby before or during birth can lead to inflammation, oxygen deprivation, or direct damage to the brain.
Health care providers are responsible for monitoring pregnancies, recognizing risks, and taking appropriate steps to protect both mother and baby.
When medical mistakes lead to a preventable birth injury, doctors and hospitals may be held accountable.
Infant Brain Damage and Medical Malpractice
Preventable medical mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can lead to serious birth injuries. Even a single error can mean medical malpractice played a role and can result in lifelong medical challenges for a baby.
Birth injuries often create unexpected financial burdens for families, making it difficult to secure necessary care. Parents may face ongoing costs for medical treatment, therapy, and assistive devices, especially for conditions like cerebral palsy.
When medical malpractice causes a birth injury, families may have legal options that provide financial support for their child’s care.
Get Legal Help for Newborn Brain Damage
If medical negligence caused your child’s brain damage, you may be able to pursue compensation. A birth injury lawsuit can help cover medical expenses, long-term care, and other essential needs while holding negligent providers accountable.
The Birth Injury Justice Center connects families with experienced attorneys who can guide them through the legal process.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review to see if we can help you provide a better future for your child.