Why babies laugh, with Gina Mireault, PhD

Infant laughter and smiling as a window into understanding babies' cognitive development during their first year is explored. Dr. Gina Mireault, director of the Infant Laughter Lab, explains that while involuntary smiles occur in utero, voluntary smiling begins around six weeks, followed by laughter at approximately four months, typically triggered by funny or unexpected noises and touch. Laughter serves as a social signal, communicating trust and enjoyment, similar to its function in adults. Research indicates that infants as young as four to five months can distinguish and find humor in incongruous events, even without parental cues. Furthermore, by six months, babies start intentionally trying to be funny themselves, demonstrating an understanding of cause and effect.