This baby girl was born with a ‘permanent smile,’ and the reason will melt your heart

Ayla Summer Mooka was born in December 2021 with a rare condition that gives her the appearance of a permanent smile — and now, she’s capturing hearts around the world on TikTok.

Her parents, Christina Vercher (21) and Blaise Mooka (20), from South Australia, were stunned when doctors told them their newborn had bilateral macrostomia, a condition so rare that only 14 cases were documented in a 2007 medical journal. The condition, which occurs when the corners of the mouth don’t fuse properly in the womb, wasn’t detected in ultrasound scans, leaving doctors surprised when Ayla was born via C-section.

“We were instantly worried,” said Vercher. “It took several hours before we got any answers.” The condition is not just cosmetic — it can affect basic functions like latching and feeding. Surgery is often recommended to correct it, and the family is currently waiting on specifics for Ayla’s procedure.

Despite the initial shock and lack of resources at the hospital, Ayla’s parents turned their experience into a mission to spread awareness. In early 2022, they launched a TikTok account, @christinakylievercher, which has since gained over 118,000 followers.

The account features joyful clips of Ayla dressed in fluffy robes, smiling, and playing — showing the world she’s just like any other happy baby. One video, showing Ayla in a floral dress, racked up over 47 million views.

“She’s so adorable,” one commenter wrote. “I just read there are only 14 documented cases — she’s so special. Be proud, Mama!”

While some negative comments have appeared, other TikTok users have been quick to defend Ayla. “You’re a strong woman with a beautiful daughter,” one wrote.

Vercher says the love they’ve received far outweighs the negativity. “We’re proud and won’t stop sharing our journey,” she said. “This could happen to anyone — we just hope people respond with kindness.”