How to Make a Baby Laugh

There is no more beautiful sound in the world than a happy, giggling baby. Babies want to be happy and love attention, so below are some methods I've found that my kids loved and made them happy!

Tickles: Even if she's not old enough to feel ticklish, tickle her gently and laugh. Soon she'll be laughing back!

Peek a Boo: The old stand by is famous because it really works. Use a blanket to "disappear" and then come back. I like to say "bye bye" then "hi."

Paper: Some baby toys sound like crinkling paper. This was the sound that both of my children responded to first and loved throughout babyhood. If you don't have anything with that sound, crinkle or rip some paper (out of baby's reach) and watch for the reaction.

Theme song: I hummed a specific tune whenever I began to play with my son, even if it was for under 30 seconds. It was actually the end music of a game show, but it was fast, happy & he soon learned it meant fun time. When we were out and he was getting upset for any reason, I would hum the song and "play" a little and he would calm down even if I couldn't correct the root of his distress immediately.

Kisses: Babies love to be close to your face and love affection. There is no such thing as too many kisses if your baby is enjoying it!

Mimicry: He can hear the sounds he's making, so if you imitate him he will get super excited and try to talk even more!

Singing: You don't have to have a beautiful voice or even stay on key. Your baby loves your sound and isn't judging you. She will get especially excited about songs with clapping and fast choruses.

Lots of physical contact: Wear your baby as much as you can and hold him whenever possible. You're not spoiling him. You're giving him the confidence of your love so when he's independent, he knows you'll be there to run back to!

Dancing: Hold her securely and help her "dance" while humming, singing or listening to music. It will get her to understand the connection of movement and music and get her even more excited about sounds!

Seat: Buy a vibrating, rocking bouncy seat ASAP. It will bring you months of joy & helps work out gas.

Other kids: If your child has siblings or step siblings, you're in luck because babies love to watch what older kids are doing, even if they aren't old enough to do it themselves. It even inspires them to try harder to move around because they want to play with the other kids! If this is your first child, have a play date with one of your friends with children, even if her kids are much older. As long as they can understand to be gentle with the baby and like littler kids, you're in for a delightful visit.

Just pay attention to what brings your kids the most joy and find ways to expand on what they already like. My daughter was very musical so our games were always about sound. My son loves to eat and is very attached to his sister, so we start play time with a little snack (normally a vegetable) and make sure my daughter in involved.