Laughing at the Thought of a Baby Routine: A Parent’s Honest Take
I can still remember it like yesterday.
I had just arrived at the doctor’s office for an appointment with my then-toddler daughter, and I had to gently coax the sleeping four-month-old baby out of its capsule and into the ring sling I was wearing.
This was her third nap of the day, and we had been in the car five times. I grabbed the hand of my other daughter and we walked to the clinic I tightened up the sling, nuzzled the baby close, and walked in. As my daughter talked to me, my baby slept on my chest.
As I waited to see my doctor, a mum sat next to me and started a conversation. She was pushing her baby back and forth, trying to calm her down. The pram swung back and forth. It was obvious that the mum felt desperate.
Does It Get Any Easier?
She asked, “What is the routine of your baby?”
Then I laughed and then laughed.
It wasn’t funny because I remembered what it was like to be a new mum. I can remember how many hours I spent every day. Single. I was alone with my baby in a darkened room. I would pat and soothe her, hoping she would fall asleep. I can remember how obsessed my mind was with my baby’s sleeping, almost to obsession.
Then I had my second daughter.
A third daughter.
A fourth daughter.
I can tell you that by then, any sense of routine or even a sense of control had gone out the window. Routine? Hah. Predictability? Hah! What is the overall impression that I am in complete control and know exactly what I’m going to do? Hahaha.
What I Wish I Knew
Mothering so many little humans has taught me that life is much more fun when you let go and stop fighting everything. From the start, I wish that I knew to be more gentle with myself and to let go of all my expectations. I could have saved myself a lot of stress and anxiety.
There are no rules on this crazy journey called motherhood. I don’t think it gets easier, or that we mothers become more creative and resilient. Most likely, it’s the latter.
In those early years, the only “routine” I followed was to keep my arms free so that I could cuddle my children and make them feel comfortable. My kids were mostly happy. The fact that they were dirty, the laundry pile was growing and the dishes were in the sink didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was whether we liked each other at the end of it all.
By tuning out other people’s expectations and letting go of all the “shoulds”, I was able to tune in to my kids – and am a much better mother as a result.
This is what I said to the mother that day at the doctor’s, whom I could tell needed some hope. I told her not to watch the clock or count sleep, but to take a break and hold her baby. Mothering is hard, but it gets easier with time.
When Do Babies Start Laughing?
It is a significant milestone when your baby makes his first laugh. The average baby begins to laugh around four months. However, every child is different.
The first year of your baby’s life is full of unforgettable events. From eating solids to taking the first steps, there are many. Every “first” that your baby experiences is a milestone. You can use each milestone to ensure that your child is developing and growing as you expect.
Achieving the milestone of laughter is an amazing achievement. Your baby can communicate with you through laughter. This is a sign of alertness, curiosity, and happiness in your baby.
Learn about the typical timeline for babies who start to laugh and what to do if your baby misses this milestone.
When Will Your Baby Begin To Laugh?
The majority of babies begin to laugh around month three or four. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t laugh at four months. Each baby is unique. Some babies laugh sooner than others.
4 Ways to Make Your Baby Laugh
You may hear your baby laugh when you make a funny sound, kiss their belly, or bounce them. You can also use other techniques to get your baby to laugh.
1. Funny Noises
You may find that your baby responds to sounds such as kissing or popping, a squeaky tone, or if you blow on your lips. These auditory clues are usually more exciting than a normal tone of voice.
2. Gentle Touches
Gently blowing or lightly tickling your baby’s skin can be a different and fun sensation. You can also make them laugh by kissing their hands, feet, or belly, or by “blowing a raspberry” on it.
3. Noisemakers
Your baby may find objects in their environment funny, like a zipper or a bell. It’s impossible to know until your child laughs. Try different noisemakers and see what they laugh at.
4. Fun Games
Peekaboo can be played when your child starts laughing. Playing peek-a-boo is a great game to play with your child at any age. However, they might not laugh until they’re four or six months old. This is the age when babies start to learn about “object permanence” or that things exist even if you can’t see them.
They Miss the Milestone.
According to several milestone markers, babies usually laugh between the third and fourth months. There is no reason to worry if your baby does not laugh after the fourth month.
Some babies don’t laugh as much and are more serious. It’s okay if they are meeting all their developmental milestones.
Do not focus on just one milestone. Focus on all of them. It’s important to speak with your child’s doctor if you feel that your baby is not reaching the milestones they should be.
Speak to Your Baby’s Physician.
Bring this issue up during your baby’s next health visit if you are concerned about your child’s lack of laughter or other milestones. Your doctor will ask about the milestones that your child is reaching during the visit.
Include these details in the conversation if you don’t.
The two of you will then decide whether you want to wait and see what happens or if your doctor should recommend further testing. You may find that there are therapies available to help your child develop at a pace more in line with other children of the same age.
Takeaway
Achieving the milestone of laughter is a great achievement. Your baby can communicate with you by laughing. Remember that every baby is different and develops at their own pace. Avoid comparing your baby to other children or your own.
When Do Babies Laugh?
After your baby begins to smile at around 8 weeks of age, you should be on the lookout for laughter as one of the social milestones. Your baby may giggle or chuckle when you do something around four months old. The first laughs are unpredictable. What works the first time might not work again.
“My little one has just turned 4 months. “She’s been giggling here and there for a few months, but initially it was difficult to distinguish between her happy sounds and her giggles,” says BabyCenter community member Mom2Peps.
When your baby reaches 6 months old they will probably laugh heartily when you make a funny sound, tickle their stomach, or pretend to munch their toes. Some laughter is unintentional, but it can also be a way for babies to communicate with you. You’ll know that your baby is having a good time when they laugh or squeal.
You can make your child laugh more than anyone else. All of your baby’s first attempts to communicate, including babbling and smiling, will be directed at you.
When Babies Begin to Laugh
Socialization begins as soon as your baby is born. Before they can crack a smile or laugh at your antics, they are absorbing information from the environment.
Here is a list of skills that babies develop from birth to help them laugh:
Newborn
While your baby is awake, he or she is using his or her senses to learn about the world. They use the information that they receive from their senses, such as what they hear, feel, taste, and smell, to form meaningful connections.
Your newborn is already familiar with your voice and can pick up on subtle changes in tone. They only know one way to communicate: by crying.
From 1 to 2 Months
You may notice that your baby is starting to mimic your facial expressions. Keep your mouth open and stay close. Allow them to respond. It will take some time for them to learn how to mimic you.
You might see your baby’s very first smile at two months old! You’ll see a gummy smile if your baby doesn’t seem to be smiling. You will start to notice the preferences of your baby they’ll be happy to see and play with you. Some toys may also catch their attention.
When your baby is alert and wants to talk, they will coo at you.
Three to Four Months
Your baby is likely to be able to socialize with you and others using smiles at this stage. With “smile talk”, you can have small exchanges with your child: Smile at them and they will smile back.
“My 11-week-old has been laughing for the last two weeks and it’s adorable!” BabyCenter Community parent says. “She laughs mostly at her sisters but also when we tickle. There’s nothing sweeter than a baby’s giggles!
You’re most likely to hear the first laugh of your baby when they are 4 months old. You might hear a small chuckle if you do something funny, such as dancing or making funny sounds.
BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board member says that babies usually start laughing between the ages of 4 and 6 months when they find something funny. “Tickling is the best way to make your baby laugh. Try tickling their belly or the soles of their feet.”
5 to 6 Months
Your living room may already feel like an open mic night in your local comedy club. By 6 months, your baby is likely to be laughing out loud. Your baby will be the center of attention for everyone, including grandparents and siblings.
It’s a good time to introduce more games for babies into your child’s daily routine. They’ve spent most of their lives observing the world. They’re now ready to take part.
