Yes, babies do exhibit behaviors that can be interpreted as giving kisses, especially as they develop.
While newborns don't intentionally give kisses in the way older children and adults do, they do engage in behaviors that adults often perceive as such. These early "kisses" evolve over time.
Here's a breakdown:
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Early Stages (First Year):
- Babies engage in buccal (mouth-related) activities.
- They respond to kisses given to them, often with similar mouth movements.
- Adults may interpret these behaviors as early forms of kissing.
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Developmental Progression:
- As babies develop, they become more intentional in their actions.
- They learn to differentiate behaviors and can begin to intentionally mimic kissing.
- These "kisses" are often demonstrated by pressing their mouth against someone's skin.
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Adult Perception:
- The perception of a baby's actions as "kisses" is largely based on adult interpretation.
- As babies become more intentional, these actions more closely resemble true kisses.
In summary, while newborns don't consciously give kisses, their early behaviors and responses to affection can be seen as precursors to kissing. As they develop, babies start to intentionally mimic kissing, leading to more recognizable expressions of affection.
