Squeals and laughs out loud
Typical Timing & Development Window
Visual Timeline & Milestone Benchmarks
What these numbers mean
The average age babies first begin showing early signs of this skill. Before this, it's simply too early — there's nothing to worry about.
The midpoint age: half of babies have reached this milestone by here, half a little later. It's a typical target, not a deadline.
How spread out the timing is. About two-thirds of babies achieve it within one standard deviation of the median (the shaded band, wk 21–27). Wide bands mean a normal range of variation.
A gentle check-in point. If your baby hasn't shown this by around here, it can be worth mentioning to your pediatrician — most often it's still perfectly fine, just later.
About this milestone
The infant vocalizes squeals of delight, chuckles, or full laughs during playful interactions. This indicates growing breath control, vocal cord flexibility, and an understanding of social play. It is a powerful social reinforcer that strengthens the parent-child bond.
- 1. Play gentle physical games like tickling, blowing 'raspberries' on their tummy, or lifting them gently in the air.
- 2. Make funny faces, blink your eyes dramatically, or play peekaboo to spark a happy chuckle.
- 3. Imitate their squealing noises with enthusiastic, happy facial expressions to show that vocal play is fun.
- 4. Read interactive books with built-in puppets or surprising pop-ups that prompt a happy reaction.
- 1. Avoid a flat, unexpressive facial reaction when they laugh, as they look to you to share in the joy.