What’s in a smile?
The chemistry of face to face interaction is an automatic and instinctive response for the baby and for the adult involved. When we smile at a baby our pupils dilate – a sign that the sympathetic nervous system is pleasurably aroused. When baby sees the smiling face and dilated pupils his sympathetic nervous system is also automatically aroused. His pupils also dilate and his heart beats faster. The adult recognises baby’s positive response and engages more with the baby. Two natural “feel good” chemicals called neuropeptide and dopamine are released from the brains of both the adult and the baby. These chemicals stimulate brain development and new tissue growth as well
as creating a sense of wellbeing and pleasure, so adults and babies are more likely to respond positively to future interactions. I guess this is why strangers can’t help looking into prams to talk to babies even if they don’t know the parents! (Excerpt from New Baby 101 pg98) $24.95 postage free in Australia and eBook $9.95 www.newbaby101.com.au
When Baby Smiles
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