It’s hard to name anything better than seeing a smile on your baby’s face, or hearing your baby laugh. Their smile can light up a room, and their laugh can bring endless joy to your day. So, why not do everything in your power to get them laughing and smiling more often?
What can you read in this article?
- How to make baby smile
- More tips: how to make baby smile for first time
Luckily, that’s exactly what we aim to do today! We’ll be looking at 10 of the best ways on how to make baby smile for first time, and to get them laughing more than ever.
Check out our list and let us know if you have your own unique way of bringing joy to your precious bundle of joy!
How to make baby smile
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Blowing a raspberry
A raspberry has many other names, but in case you didn’t know, it’s when you place your lips on a baby’s bellybutton and blow. It creates a silly noise that will surely get the giggling.
Also, it creates a tickling sensation that is sure to get them uproariously laughing and smiling! You can also blow raspberries on the bottoms of their feet, since that too is a ticklish spot on a baby’s body.
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Peekaboo
This is a classic go-to in terms of inducing a good laugh in a baby! It’s simple, and really only requires a pleasant demeanor, light tone of voice, and two hands.
However, you can also add variety to the game by hiding behind colorful objects instead to further stimulate the baby! Try using a colorful blanket or pillow or stuffed animal and see just how much you can get your baby laughing and smiling.
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Older children/siblings
Having your baby get a kick out of an older sibling or family member is a great source of joy. It means that they share a strong bond, and are fond of those who will always be part of their lives.
Furthermore, babies tend to find the goofy behaviors and antics of their older siblings to be hysterical! It’s a good way to strengthen the bond between your other kids, and it’ll bring joy to the whole family.
If your baby is an only child, you can try to get other members of the family involved instead.
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Goofy noises
Admittedly, even adults find goofy noises to be amusing sometimes. Try making some of your silliest sounds around your baby and see if they get a kick out of it!
You might need to experiment, but unleashing your goofiest noises could be exactly what you need to put a smile on your baby’s face, or induce a good laughing session!
READ MORE:
Your baby’s smile: what can it tell you about his development?
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Animals
Not of the stuffed variety. We mean the real deal. If you have a playful pet that’s friendly and safe to bring around your baby, try letting the two play together! Baby’s love fluffy things and fluffy pets who are playful are even better!
Watch the two form a bond with each other and watch just how much joy your baby exudes. Just make sure neither party gets a little too playful, since dogs and cats usually don’t understand the playful limitations of a baby.
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Silly faces
Making goofy faces is another classic way to bring out laughter and smiles in your baby. It’s simple, good-natured fun. Plus, like peekaboo, it doesn’t really require a whole lot to pull off.
Try making some of your funniest faces and incorporate those silly noises for added fun! Let loose and make some funny faces to your baby if you really want them to chuckle.
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Playful biting
Playfully gnawing on your baby’s body parts will surely get a good laugh or smile out of them. The tickling sensation of you pretend biting is a great way to play with your baby, and most find the act hilarious! Not only does it bring a smile to their face, but it’s a great source of fun for them and for you!
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Laughing with your baby
Everything is funnier when you’re sharing a laugh with someone! That’s why you should share a good laugh with your baby whenever you can.
Whenever your baby laughs or smiles, try your hardest to laugh with them. You probably won’t even need to try, since most babies’ laughs are hilarious, to begin with. Strengthen your relationship with your babies by chuckling alongside them, and smiling whenever they smile.
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“Cat and mouse”
For babies who have already mastered the art of crawling, one great way to induce laughter is to play a chasing game like cat and mouse. Let your baby’s motor rev and set them free, then playfully chase after them.
It’s a great way to play with your baby and will surely put a smile on their face. Not to mention that they’ll be laughing hysterically.
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Tickling
This strategy is one that works on just about everyone; not just babies! If you gently tickle your baby’s belly, armpit, feet, etc. you’re sure to bring out a good fit of laughter!
Some babies are more ticklish than others, but it’s worth experimenting with if you want to see your baby’s beautiful smile, or hear their charming laugh!
When do babies smile and coo
It’s normal for newborns to smile while sleeping. In the early weeks of their life, this smile could just be a sign of your baby passing gas, falling asleep, peeing, or feeling comfy. These smiles are also just reflexive smiles and are totally different from their “social smile”.
So, when do babies smile and coo, exactly?
The real smile made specifically for you will start to develop between 6 to 8 weeks of age. This “social smile” is an important milestone for your baby. You’ll notice the difference as she’ll use the whole of her face and not just her mouth.
When your baby starts to smile, this might mean several things:
- They are maturing and gaining an understanding of human behavior.
- They’ve realized that returning your smile attracts your attention.
- The development of your baby’s brain is progressing, and their communication abilities are on track.
She might even start a “dialogue” with you by gurgling and smiling to get your attention by 3 months. You can “respond” by smiling (and cooing or speaking) back!
More tips: how to make baby smile for first time
Sometimes, your baby may not smile the way you expect them to do.
It’s possible that your baby will not engage in eye contact and may smile past you. That’s okay! That’s just their way of avoiding sensory overload and gaining control over their surroundings.
Parents may also have different styles and may also interact with the baby differently. Respect these differences and work together in making sure that your baby is smiling and happy. Fathers are often rowdier while moms are gentler. Either way, if the baby is smiling and happy, then both parents win!
Moreover, babies who are born prematurely may not smile at the same age other babies do. Give them time to catch up. It will be worth it!
You might have read or heard that a baby’s delayed smiling can be an early sign of an autism spectrum condition. While this may be true, a delay in smiling is rarely the sole symptom displayed by a child on the autistic spectrum.
When will babies start laughing?
Around the 3rd or 4th month, most newborns begin to laugh. If your baby isn’t laughing at 4 months, don’t be concerned. Each infant is unique. Some babies laugh more quickly than others.
Just like smiling, laughter is also your baby’s way of communicating that she is happy, awake and interested.
How to make your baby laugh
Babies laugh fairly the same way you make them smile. It’s as easy as making funny noises such as popping or kissing sounds, a squeaky sound, and blowing raspberries on their bellies. You may also lightly touch or tickle them in their hands, feet, belly, neck, or underarm. Other use games and distractions such as a peekaboo or toys such as zippers, bells, or clappers.
Here are other milestones you can watch out for.
4-month milestones of your baby
- a sudden smiling
- observing moving objects with the eyes
- observing people’s faces and identifying familiar faces
- taking pleasure in playing and interacting with others
- making noises like babbling and cooing
Just like with smiling, don’t worry if they miss this milestone at month 3 or 4. Some babies do laugh out loud, some cackle, and some just giggle. Give them more time to grow and develop and discover all their milestones. If you think there is something wrong, you can always and immediately consult your doctor just to be sure.
This article was based on a list published by Pop Sugar
Source:
WebMD, Healthline, WhatToExpect