Babies start laughing at different ages, but typically begin to giggle and laugh around 3 to 4 months old. Laughter is a sign of healthy development and is an important milestone in a baby’s life.
Babies begin to produce cooing and babbling sounds around 2 to 3 months old, and by 3 to 4 months, they start to incorporate laughter into their vocalisations. They may also begin to respond to playful interactions and games, such as peek-a-boo, with giggles and laughter.
Laughter is a way for babies to communicate and express their feelings. It is also an important social skill that helps them to connect with others. Laughing with a parent or caregiver can help to strengthen the bond between them and promote healthy emotional development.
As babies grow and develop, their laughter will become more frequent and varied. They will learn to laugh in response to different stimuli, such as tickling, funny faces, and silly sounds. They will also learn to initiate laughter by making their own playful sounds and movements.
It is important to note that every baby develops at their own pace and some may take longer to start laughing than others. This is not a cause for concern, as long as the baby is meeting their other developmental milestones.
How to make your baby laugh
Babies are incredibly cute and funny, and one of the most enjoyable things about being a parent is making your baby laugh. It’s a great way to bond with your little one and can also be a great way to relieve stress and have a little fun. Here are some tips on how to make your baby laugh:
- Use silly voices and faces: Babies love to see and hear different expressions and tones, so use your imagination and make silly faces and voices. You can make animal sounds, use different accents, or make silly noises.
- Play peek-a-boo: Peek-a-boo is a classic game that never gets old for babies. Cover your face with a blanket or your hands, then reveal yourself and say “peek-a-boo!” Babies love the surprise of seeing you again and will giggle with delight.
- Use toys and props: Babies love toys, and you can use them to make your baby laugh. Use stuffed animals, dolls, or other toys to act out silly scenarios. You can also use props like hats, scarves, and sunglasses to add to the fun.
- Use music and dancing: Babies love music and movement, so put on some of your favorite tunes and dance around with your baby. They’ll love the movement and the rhythm of the music, and will be sure to giggle and laugh.
- Make silly noises: Babies love to hear different sounds, so make silly noises with your mouth or use objects around the house to make different sounds. You can also use your hands to clap, snap or pat your baby’s belly, they will be sure to giggle with delight.
Remember that every baby is different and what makes one baby laugh may not make another one laugh. Try different things and see what your baby responds to. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the time with your little one.
In summary, babies typically start laughing around 3 to 4 months old, and laughter is an important milestone in their development. It is a way for them to communicate and express their feelings, and it helps to strengthen the bond between them and their caregivers. Parents and caregivers should make sure to encourage laughter and play in their interactions with their babies.
