As babies begin to focus on the world around them, they start learning about emotions through eye contact and by observing the facial expressions of others. These early observations help infants interpret what they see, laying the foundation for the relationships and emotional connections they form with their caregivers.
The ability to use facial expressions to interpret situations is believed to have deep evolutionary roots. Anthropological theories suggest that this skill originated on the African savannah, where early humans needed to communicate silently through facial cues to avoid alerting predators to their presence.
As infants grow, their ability to read faces becomes more refined. They begin to engage in a process known as social referencing (Feinman, 1992), where they look to their caregivers for cues about how to respond to new or uncertain situations. Through this process, babies learn to assess whether something is safe or unsafe, acceptable or not acceptable, based on the expressions and reactions of those they trust.
Neuroscientist Allan Schore highlights the critical role facial expressions play in stimulating the development of a socially and emotionally intelligent brain. When a baby looks at a parent’s face, they gather information about how that parent is feeling. For instance, dilated pupils—an indicator of sympathetic nervous system activation—signal happiness or excitement. In response, the baby’s own nervous system mirrors this reaction, releasing similar neurochemicals and creating a corresponding emotional state. In this way, affectionate expressions from family members can trigger pleasurable biochemical responses that support healthy brain growth and emotional development.
At Baby Reflex, we consistently promote the importance of engaging with your little ones during treatments. Smiling, making eye contact, and talking gently to your baby offer reassurance that they are safe, secure, and loved. When this emotional connection is combined with the power of touch, it supports not only a calm and contented baby but also a relaxed and happy parent.
Source: Why Love Matters by Sue Gerhardt (2004)
