Your baby will soon melt your heart with her very first smile, followed by the delightful sound of laughter. All the sleepless nights, morning sickness, and newborn challenges will suddenly feel worth it. For many parents, seeing their baby smile and laugh is one of the most rewarding milestones. If you’re wondering when babies start laughing, you’ll be happy to know that it typically happens just a few weeks after that first precious smile.
When do babies laugh? Most infants start with a social smile around 6 to 8 weeks, showing early signs of emotional connection. Laughter usually follows a few weeks later as your baby becomes more aware and responsive. Don’t worry—holding, cuddling, and showering your baby with love won’t spoil her
When Does a Baby Start to Smile?
Your feelings may take a rollercoaster ride when you see your newborn’s smile. However, a newborn’s smile is simply a reflexive one. If you ask your mother-in-law and friends who have kids, you’ll know that it’s not a real smile. Even pediatricians will give you the same answer, with some explanation.
A smile-like expression might appear on your little one’s face when she passes gas, experiences comfort, falls asleep, and pees.
To see your lovely one smile with her whole heart, you just must hold your enthusiasm for 6-8 weeks. (1) Some babies start smiling between the 4th and 6th weeks. Toddlers usually show this warm gesture by seeing someone or something close to their hearts.
When you see your infant’s gracious smile, celebrate, because it’s her first baby step towards communication.
The baby starts smiling back at you by 2 months (1). By 3 months, babies try to get attention with smiles and chuckles. Parents should smile back and cuddle them in response. Moreover, talking and cooing are also good.
[Read: Understanding Baby Talk: Communicate With Your Baby]
What Does Your Baby’s First Smile Indicate?
A social smile is an indication of an infant’s social and emotional growth. Embrace her feelings. You, as a parent, are capable of sensing her mood. Therefore, play with her when she wants to, and let her rest when you see she’s not liking it. This will develop her self-esteem.
Self-esteem plays a vital role in a child’s growth. Moreover, they can also predict what your response will be to their expressions. This is a sign that your baby is learning that she can also control her surroundings.
Should You be Worried if Your Baby is Not Smiling?
Like adults, newborns have different moods. Some babies chuckle earlier, while others may take some time. Even Babies who turn out to be ecstatic adults can take 4 weeks to 4 months to show their first social smile. So, take a deep breath and relax.
Some simple ways to make your little one smile include
- Making hilarious sounds
- Popping your lips
- Creating sounds with your tongue
- Playing with your ears and nose
- Winking at her
- Holding humorous expressions
- Playing peek-a-boo
If your precious little one still doesn’t smile, they are testing you harder! Go ahead and try unique things or combine two tips.
Parents often turn their babies ‘ non-smiling situation into a big deal because not smiling is also a sign of autism. However, it rarely happens. Babies who acknowledge verbal and visual cues, hold some eye contact, and vocalize are fine.
Sometimes, infants may take a long time to smile and laugh, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be cheerful in their later years. Don’t make any conclusions about their personality at this growth stage.
If you’re still anxious, contact your pediatrician.
Always show your cheerful expressions to your baby. They may soon start mimicking you. Babies are experts at showing their enthusiasm. They shake their legs and try to reach you with their arms. Be the first one to smile and laugh, and she might follow you to do the same.
It is crucial to note that she’s not merely imitating you. This game of cheerfulness is part of their social and emotional development. So, give them every bit of your attention. They must feel that you value them by your eye contact, too.
Whenever they attempt to draw your attention, play with them. This is the age for them to start learning a thing or two about communication and body language, and give fuel to their self-esteem.
[Read: 10 Tips To Communicate With Your Newborn]
When Do Babies Start Laughing?
It takes not more than 3-4 months for most babies to laugh (2), but some of them may take longer. The first sparkle of joy in their face can be in response to seeing their precious toy, pet, person, or you. Furthermore, your little one is learning how people react to the jolly sounds.
Don’t be surprised if your dearest one laughs without any reason. For babies, laughing is a new and fun pastime. In addition, they are on their way to learning to create different sounds. So, when do babies start laughing? It varies from baby to baby, but once they start laughing, there is no stopping them. Your little one will soon make you their fan with their million-dollar smile. You just need to be patient for a bit more time. Whenever you greet them, be joyful. Always turn your bright face towards them, and they will soon surprise you with that much-awaited little giggle.
FAQ’S
1. Is it OK to Tickle a Newborn to Make it Smile?
Newborns don’t like tickling, and they can’t express themselves. So, don’t do it.
2. Can Newborns Laugh in Their Sleep?
Yes, but it’s a reflexive smile in an active sleep state.
Read Also: Babbling in Babies – Timelines And What to Expect
Reference
- Baby Developmental Milestones (Infant Milestones) – A medically reviewed article from Cleveland Clinic – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22063-baby-development-milestones-safety
- 3-4 months: baby development, from the Australian parenting website- raisingchildren.net.au – https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/development/development-tracker-3-12-months/3-4-months
