Hearing your baby laugh for the first time is an incredible milestone that all parents want to cherish. It’s unlikely that you’ll have your camera ready when your baby is giggling, so in addition to recording their age, take a few seconds and commit it to your memory. Play this wonderful sound in your head and note where you are, what your child is wearing, etc.

Many years later, when you want to remember those sweet childhood days, you will be happy to have this special milestone engraved in your memory. Many babies have their first real laugh at 3 or 4 months of age. Typically, you will see smiles, coos, and gurgles leading up to this new cheerful noise. Early laughter is reflexive, so it can be triggered by something as simple as a funny sound, a favorite toy, or a pet.

Your reaction to his laughter will also please and encourage him to do it again and again. Laughter is another way a child will experiment with their voice. Like all developmental milestones, they can happen at different ages and stages, so don’t worry if your baby hasn’t laughed by the end of 4 months. Continue to encourage him to chat, coo, and giggle by talking to him regularly and participating in social activities.