Is there anything more delightful than the sound of a baby's hearty laughter?
More than being super adorable, making your baby laugh has a positive effect on your baby's development. Studies have also shown that laughing has health benefits; it helps lower blood pressure, boosts circulation, and improves the immune system.
Best of all, laughing together as a family promotes priceless bonding!
Here's how to make your baby laugh at different stages of development.
Newborn to 1 year old
Babies at this stage respond to sensory stimulation, even when it comes to humor. So exaggerated gestures and expressions do the trick!
- Play with their feet while reciting "This Little Piggy" then tickle them gently
- Making silly faces and exclaiming "Uh-oh!" when you drop something
- Play the classic game of peek-a-boo! Make sure to change your expressions to crack your little one up!
1 to 3 years old
Your little one is fast developing and he's becoming more active, keep up with him while trying to make him laugh by incorporating funny moments while encouraging them to explore the world around them. Remember that toddler humor mostly focuses on things bathroom-related, because this is their way of coping with the many body changes they're experiencing, specifically potty training.
- Chase them by crawling after them. Once captured, covering them with hugs and kisses.
- Toddlers are little copycats. Make funny faces and allow them to copy you!
- Sing or speak rhyming words!
- Make farting noises on their tummy using your mouth.
2 to 4 years old
By this time, your kid has learned how to babble and hum. They also find the unusual funny. So make sure not to be afraid to be silly and to encourage them to be the same way!
- Sing songs with silly choruses and dance along using wacky moves
- Play dress up! Pretend to put on your kid's clothes
- Make a smiley face on their pancakes or other food!
READ: 7 Adorable milestones that help you bond with your baby before age 2!
