This is one of the great parenting moments you’ve been waiting for – and once you hear your baby’s laughter for the first time, you can’t get enough of the sound, whether it’s laughter, giggles, or full stomach laughter.

Your baby has been experimenting with sounds since the first month of life, cooing, gurgling and sighing hoarsely. Laughter is the next step in learning to communicate. Before jumping into stand-up, make sure your loved one is ready to be a good audience.

Babies who are fed, rested, and alert are more likely to be ready for comedy hour. Although the child may not yet have your sense of humor, he picks up your funny lines. When your loved one sees you smiling and laughing, she is more likely to love you back.