Someone once told you that it’s the small moments that matter the most in life - the ones that pass you by quickly, but that you look back on years later with great fondness.

Now that you’re a parent, you’ve realised just how right they were. Being a parent is full of those small but incredible moments that make up a treasure trove full of beautiful memories, with the first time you hear your baby laugh being right at the top of the list.

If your baby hasn’t laughed already, then you may be wondering when you might expect them to laugh and how you can help this process along. Many parents become curious about their babies' laughter, so you’re not the only one! After all, laughing is a major milestone and something that all those squalls, coos, and gurgles have been working towards since they were born!

So, we thought we’d dive into the subject, so you can feel more clued up on when you can expect those precious little giggles to emerge!

When might my baby start laughing?

Generally speaking, many babies will start laughing at around 4 months old. But it’s not uncommon for this to happen a little earlier or later, with a lot of babies starting to laugh during the age range of 4 to 6 months.

As laughing is a milestone, it can be helpful to think about it in this way, as you will know more of what to expect, and what to do if they don’t reach it when expected. And when it comes to milestones, try to remember that babies will reach them at slightly differing times. They are an estimation as to when it is ‘normal’ for a baby to reach certain achievements and master certain behavioural and physical checkpoints.

It’s also important to remember that laughing is a skill, and it might take your baby a little time to get it right. However, as time moves on, their laugh will naturally become more profound.

Now that you know when you might expect your baby to start laughing, your next question will probably be how can you help this process along! Well, rest assured that there are many fun, easy ways to send your baby into fits of giggles!

How can I make my baby laugh?

When attempting to make your baby laugh, try not to take it too seriously. Remember that it is something that will happen naturally, so have fun with it as you go along! Try out some of the following and see how you go:

Funny faces: Something as simple as pulling a funny face can be enough to send your baby into an excited giggle. Even if it feels a little strange, try pulling a silly face; stick your tongue out and open your mouth wide. You may be surprised at how positive a reaction you might get!

Blowing raspberries: Blowing raspberries is a super cute way to help your little one produce a belly laugh. Kiss your baby’s tummy while blowing out, and you’ll find that the sound and sensation will most probably evoke a giggle or two!

Singing: Even if you’re not the best singer, your baby is sure to enjoy your voice if you sing to them. Try out some songs with hand motions as this will make the sing-song more enjoyable for your little one. For example, you could try out “The Wheels on the Bus” or “Itsy Bitsy Spider”.

Nose kisses: A nose kiss is another sweet, simple way to evoke a giggle from your baby.

Peekaboo: Peekaboo may seem like the oldest game in the book, but it works a charm when it comes to making your baby cackle in surprise!

What if my baby misses this milestone?

Although it may be like a small thing, if your baby doesn’t appear to have met the laughter milestone at all, this could potentially be a sign of a developmental delay. If your baby reaches the 6-month mark and doesn’t seem to be laughing, then bring this up with your paediatric health care provider.

How do I make my baby laugh?

On Unii’s Baby Development Journey, we share how to make your baby laugh.