smile at a baby

Meaning

This phrase describes the natural, friendly action of looking at an infant and making a happy facial expression to get their attention or show affection. It is a universal, warm social gesture often discussed in casual conversations. The tone is warm and gentle.

Examples

• It is almost impossible not to smile at a baby when you see one on the bus.

  It is almost impossible not to smile at a baby when you see one on the bus.

• She stopped to smile at a baby in a stroller at the park.

  She stopped to smile at a baby in a stroller at the park.

• The grumpy old man couldn't help but smile at a baby who waved at him.

  The grumpy old man couldn't help but smile at a baby who waved at him.

• I always smile at a baby to see if they will mimic my expression.

  I always smile at a baby to see if they will mimic my expression.

• When you smile at a baby, they often laugh and make happy sounds.

  When you smile at a baby, they often laugh and make happy sounds.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I smiled to the baby.

  ✓ I smiled at the baby.

  The verb 'smile' takes the preposition 'at' when directing the facial expression toward someone.

• ✗ He smiled on the baby.

  ✓ He smiled at the baby.

  'Smile on' is an archaic or literary idiom meaning to show favor or luck to someone, whereas 'smile at' is the physical action.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I saw a cute infant on the train, so I couldn't help but ___.

  💡 Make a happy face toward an infant.

  Show answer

  smile at a baby

• If you want to make them happy, just ___ and wave.

  💡 Direct a grin toward a very young child.

  Show answer

  smile at a baby