Baby’s First Laugh

For babies and their parents, there are lots of firsts. First smile, first illness, first roll. But for many, the first laugh is one of the most special.

A baby’s first laugh is a milestone many parents anxiously anticipate. It’s adorably cute when they do it and there’s no sweeter sound than a baby’s giggle.

Once you hear that first laugh, you’ll be hooked. But it always seems to be the case that they will laugh at the funny face you make one day, and then the following day simply stare at you with a blank expression.

Never fear. There are some foolproof ways to make your baby smile and chuckle. In fact, did you know that humour is nurtured, and babies as young as six months can be taught or encouraged to laugh merely by social interaction.

When it may happen

The most important thing to remember about any milestone is that babies develop at their own pace. While your first child may have laughed at four months, your second may not chuckle until seven. Comparing babies is never a good thing and it will just serve to stress you out more.

However, generally speaking most babies laugh for the first time between three and four months. This is because their vocal chords are stronger and finally developed enough to emit sounds.

As your child gets older, they will actually start responding to the world. This includes their ability to laugh at something that is genuinely funny, rather than something that seems weird to you but hilarious to them.

But bear in mind, every baby has a different temperament, just like every adult. Some babies are just more serious than others. And some babies make you work for it – a lot. If you’re ever worried, always seek guidance from a health professional.

How to help them along the way

A baby’s laugh can make even the grumpiest people smile. So it’s natural to want to encourage it as much as possible. Here are a few ways you can get your little one giggling and gurgling in no time.

Interact with them

One of the simplest ways to encourage a baby to laugh is to simply interact with them. To your baby, you’re a superhero and you’re their whole world. They love seeing you and watching you, and eventually they’ll love to mimic your actions. Funny faces, and talking to them, rather than at them, can bring on a giggle. Use funny voices, change your tone and inflection as you speak and a chuckle may just emerge.

Peek-a-boo

One of the most successful ways to make a baby laugh is by playing peek-a-boo. It’s the element of surprise that they find hilarious. As they get older, they’ll even start doing it on their own (and finding it hysterical), and they’ll start to search for you as you disappear behind the wall or underneath the high chair. It’s a wonderful game to play together and a lovely way to bond.

Get physical

Think tickling is just for older children? Think again. Finding their sweet spot and giving them a little tickle should bring out a giggle. For some, relating the feeling to the sound can take a bit of time but they’ll get there. Another tip, the bottom of their feet are notoriously ticklish so you can try there too.

Blowing raspberries is also an excellent way to encourage a laugh. Simply place your lips to your baby’s belly and blow. Not only does it feel funny to your baby’s skin, but it also makes a silly noise which is sure to inspire a giggle.

If your baby is crawling, another lovely game to play is chase. Get down on your own hands and knees and crawl along with them. Just make sure you’re smiling and laughing so they know it’s a game.

Noises noises everywhere

As the saying goes: monkey see, monkey do. Well it goes for children too. Baby’s will mimic what you do, so letting out a hearty laugh may just encourage one from your baby too. In fact, most of the time, when they laugh, you’ll laugh, and then they’ll laugh because you’re laughing. It’s like a hilarious circle.

Another way to produce a chuckle is to make some funny noises. Admit it, even for adults, some noises can be amusing sometimes. Make some silly sounds or talk in a funny voice and see if they react.

Exaggerate everything

Make everything louder, bigger and bolder. If you’re dancing around the room, move in silly motions and make them big. If you’re putting a funny object on your head, laugh hysterically at how strange it is that there’s a book on your head. If you’re singing songs, insert some funny noises, sounds and words into it. Babies love animal sounds so you may find they giggle at Old McDonald Had a Farm – it may be your new favourite song.

Don’t panic

Remember, a baby’s first laugh is a beautiful thing but babies are notorious for doing things in their own time, not when you want it to happen. It may take some time for your baby to react to the world around them, and your baby just may not be the giggling type. Don’t stress out, your baby will find their own voice and show their personality when they’re good and ready.

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