Baby's laughter

Baby's laughter is one of the most wonderful sounds you'll ever hear. It evokes joy and carefree happiness in all of us, with the power to fill everyone who hears it with pure delight. Every parent eagerly awaits that first little laugh. But do bear in mind — a newborn doesn't laugh straight away. In those very first weeks of life, what matters most is your warmth and kindness. It will reassure your baby and gently lead them, little by little, towards smiling and then laughing.

Baby's laughter: a natural progression

When your little one arrives in the world, it's perfectly normal that they won't be laughing just yet. You'll be treated to a few smiles, but don't think for a moment that they're directed at you. A newborn smiles simply because they feel comfortable — fed, warm, and loved. What more could anyone ask for? In fact, this very phenomenon has been observed in foetuses too, and it's thought to reflect the sense of well-being they experience.

Whatever the case, those smiles in the first month simply show that your baby is doing well. You may even notice them during sleep. So no, it's not a heartfelt thank-you for all those sleepless nights — though you do have a hand in it, having created such a safe and loving environment. From around one month, those little expressions will become a response to your presence, and they'll grow into full laughter around 4–6 months.

Baby's laughter: the first steps in socialisation

Laughter is, above all, about connecting with others. So you can imagine just how significant it is for your little one. Those first wonderful facial expressions will come through imitation. A baby who smiles a lot is often surrounded by smiling parents. But remarkably, your baby will start smiling at you before they can even see you clearly — the sound of your voice, gently speaking a few words, is enough to bring them joy.

When laughter does appear, it will be a genuine exchange with you and those around you. Little by little, laughing will become one of your baby's favourite games — it is clearly the first act of socialisation. It is their way of showing others how happy they are, as well as a wonderful means of strengthening bonds with the people around them, just as developmental toys do.

Take time to make them laugh

A child who laughs a lot also tends to develop a great sense of humour — and that's a formidable asset! It helps them keep perspective in difficult situations, and to unwind during stressful moments. What's more, those delightful sounds are incredibly beneficial: they stimulate blood circulation throughout the body and, in a rather fun way, deliver extra oxygen to every organ.

Not to mention the number of muscles it puts to work! So whenever you get the chance, make your baby laugh — whether through a game of peekaboo, or by playing the fool. It's good for both parent and child alike!