© Provided by Fatherly As new parents, moms and dads tend to worry: Why isn't the baby sleeping? What's the best way to get them to stop crying and at what point should a pediatrician be called? But there are also the less pressing, yet nagging questions around developmental milestones. After all, the worrying will all be worth it after that first smile or babble or giggle - so when do babies start laughing?
The first thing parents need to understand is that every baby is different. Although developmental milestones exist as a general guide, they arrive according to a child's own pace. Babies first start laughing "between 2-4 months" says Nina Pegram, pediatric nurse practitioner and lactation consultant with SimpliFed. Before this, an intentional smile would, most likely have occurred between 1-2 months; sometimes in their sleep, she adds. But the absence of laughter, at this particular age, does not mean that there is something wrong with a child. Some babies simply tend to be more stern.
What Does it Mean When Babies Laugh?
"The first few smiles are normally caused by an involuntary reflex," says Carolyn, a registered nurse and Parenting Consultant at Teach Work Mom. During the REM phase of sleep, your baby may smiles, jerk, laugh or cry. These reactions at this early stage is not an emotional response, but natural way of practicing expressive skills. The baby will not begin to smile or giggle with intention until around the second month. "Smiling and laughing shows that your baby's brain and vision has matured to the point that they can recognize your face and display emotions voluntarily."
Should Parents be Concerned About Their Child's Development?
"Some babies are more serious than others so it is ok if your baby is not laughing by 3-4 months old" adds Carolyn. There isn't any cause for concern until about 6 months. At this point if your baby is not making eye contact, smiling or laughing at all then you should have a conversation with your pediatrician. As parent you can encourage you baby to laugh by talking to them frequently, singing or making animated faces.
How to Stimulate Laughter in Your Child
- Remember to be talking to your baby A LOT!
- Be animated, let them see your face well, how you enunciate, how you speak, how you emote.
- Babies love to watch faces, expressions, hear words and songs so get right in there with them!
-Kathy Murphy, Pediatric Physician Assistant and Lactation Consultant with SimpliFed.
The crux of baby laughter is that the fun can begin as early as 2 months old. They will continue to laugh more frequently and with purpose throughout their first year. Every child develops at their own pace, but any worries should be directed to a pediatrician.
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