As a parent, one of your top priorities is ensuring that your baby is happy and healthy. You would do anything to keep them comfortable and entertained. And what better way to do that than to make them laugh? Not only is laughter adorable, but it is also an important developmental milestone for babies. In this article, we will explore when your baby will start smiling and laughing, how to make them laugh, and why it is so important.
When Will Your Baby Start Smiling and Laughing?
Every baby is unique, so the timing of their developmental milestones will vary. However, you can expect to see your baby start smiling regularly by the time they are a few weeks old. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as recognizing your face or feeling content after a feeding. As they continue to grow and develop, they will start to make cooing noises and deliberate smiles. And before you know it, their first giggle or chuckle will emerge between 3-5 months old. A full-on belly laugh usually arrives around 6 months old.
How to Make Your Baby Laugh
Babies can be fickle creatures when it comes to what makes them laugh. However, there are a few tried-and-true methods that you can use to get the giggles going.
1. Touches
Tickling is an obvious choice for making someone laugh, but it’s not the best technique for babies. Instead, try giving them gentle nose kisses or playing the “trumpet” on their tummy. These touches are sure to elicit some angelic chuckles.
2. Employ the Use of Silly Sounds
Babies are already familiar with your voice by the time they are born, but using different pitches and tones can still get them excited and giggling. Baby talk is a great way to do this, as well as making silly noises after bath time or before bed. Engaging in nursery rhymes or making distinct noises that fit in with the song (like the falling down sound in “Humpty Dumpty”) can also be effective.
3. Play Games
Peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake are classic games that are sure to get your baby laughing. Varying your emphasis on different words each time you play will keep your baby engaged and laughing throughout the game.
It is important to keep in mind that babies are individuals and may not always respond to these methods. If your baby is feeling fussy or agitated, they may not be in the mood to laugh. In these instances, it’s important to respect their feelings and try again later.
Why is Laughing Important and Why is it a Milestone?
Laughing is not just a fun activity, it is also an important developmental milestone for babies. It is their first step towards communicating with you, as well as a sign that they are processing and responding to the world around them. A lack of laughter or responsiveness to cooing noises may be a sign of developmental delays, so it’s important to consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
In addition to its developmental benefits, laughing also has numerous health benefits for babies. It can boost their immune system, reduce stress hormones, and even help them sleep better. And of course, it strengthens the bond between you and your little one.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your baby happy and laughing is one of the joys of parenting. It’s important to remember that every baby is different and may respond to different things. But with some gentle touches, silly sounds, and fun games, you’re sure to get some adorable giggles out of your little one. And the benefits go beyond cuteness – laughing is an important developmental milestone and has numerous health benefits for babies.
