Few things are as heartwarming as hearing a baby’s first laugh. I’ve experienced that moment with four children of my own, and that tiny, infectious sound isn’t just a special memory; it also marks a significant milestone in your child’s development. But when do babies start laughing, and what can you do to encourage those adorable giggles?
Let’s explore the typical development milestone timeline, learn why researchers say babies laugh, and explore when you might want to consider a doctor’s appointment to check in on any delays.
The First Laugh: A Developmental Milestone
Babies typically start laughing between 3 to 4 months of age. This first laugh is often a response to something they find amusing, like a funny noise, a silly face, or a playful interaction with a parent. However, every baby is unique; some may laugh a little earlier or later.
Ultimately, baby laughter milestones often indicate that your baby is beginning to understand the world around them and developing social and emotional skills.
The act of laughing usually follows the baby’s first smile, which occurs at around eight weeks old. Just like crawling, laughing follows a developmental schedule that builds upon your baby’s quickly growing list of motor and social skills.
Why Do Babies Laugh?
Laughter is more than just a cute sound—it’s a crucial part of your baby’s development. The BBC examined how laughter helps babies bond, noting that laughter helps babies connect with their caregivers and express joy.
Laughter also plays a role in cognitive development, as babies learn to associate specific actions or sounds with humor. For example, peek-a-boo or tickling often elicits giggles because babies are just now starting to understand cause and effect.
British researcher Caspar Addyman, who specializes in studying baby laughter, has observed that peek-a-book is the one game used by parents around the world to elicit laughter from children.
Addyman also notes that children tend to laugh more when they have at least one other child in the room with them, likely because they are trying to convey to another child (or adult) that they find something funny.
How To Encourage Your Baby To Laugh
If you’re wondering how to get those first laughs, there are plenty of ways to encourage your baby. Experts say you can encourage your baby’s first laugh by making funny noises, playing gentle games like peek-a-boo, or using exaggerated facial expressions. Blowing raspberries on tummies was a big hit four out of four times in my household.
Babies are also highly responsive to their parents’ laughter, so don’t be afraid to laugh along with them! Additional advice on triggering baby giggles adds that physical play, like bouncing or gentle tickling, can also trigger those delightful giggles.
What If Your Baby Isn’t Laughing Yet? And When To Talk To A Doctor
While most babies start laughing by 4 months, some may take a little longer. Delayed laughter in babies doesn’t necessarily mean developmental delays or other issues.
However, suppose your baby hasn’t laughed or shown other social responses by 6 months. In that case, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues, such as hearing loss or other developmental delays.
The Evolution of Baby Laughter
As your baby grows, their laughter will become more frequent and complex. Insights on how baby laughter evolves note that by 6 months, babies often laugh in response to more sophisticated stimuli, like funny sounds or unexpected events.
By their first birthday, many babies are full-on comedians, laughing at their own antics and trying to make others laugh, too.
Further exploration of laughter as a developmental sign highlights that this progression is a sign of healthy emotional and social development.
The Science Behind Baby Laughter
Laughter isn’t just a social behavior—it’s also a window into your baby’s brain development. According to research on the science of baby laughter, laughter is linked to the development of the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotions. It also strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating a sense of security and happiness for your baby.
In a study titled Social Looking, Social Referencing, and Humor Perception, published in 2014, researchers found that the reason young children laugh is different than their old counterparts.
This study investigated how infants use social cues to interpret humorous situations. The researchers found that 6-month-olds rely heavily on caregivers’ reactions to determine whether something is funny, while 12-month-olds begin to perceive humor independently. The study underscores the role of social referencing in the development of humor and laughter.
In another study published in Infant Behavior and Development, researchers analyzed the timing and patterns of laughter in mother-infant interactions. The researchers discovered that laughter often follows a rhythmic pattern, with mothers and infants taking turns in vocal exchanges. The findings suggest that laughter is a key component of early communicative development and helps establish turn-taking skills.
Your baby’s first laugh is a magical moment that signals their growing understanding of the world and their ability to connect with others. While most babies start laughing between 3 and 4 months, remember that every child develops at their own pace.
You can encourage your little ones to share their laughter with the world by engaging in playful interactions and creating a joyful environment. Now go and embrace those adorable little giggles!