When infants use facial expressions to help them understand what to do in new situations, they are engaging in what researchers call "social referencing." Social referencing is a developmental milestone where infants observe and interpret the emotional reactions of their caregivers or other familiar individuals in uncertain or unfamiliar situations. By looking to these social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, or vocal tones, infants use them as guidance to gauge how they should react or behave in similar situations. Social referencing plays a crucial role in their early social and emotional development, helping them navigate the world and understand the appropriate responses to different circumstances.
I hope this helped!
~~~Harsha~~~