Laugh and Reach
Parent uses a noisy toy and playful sounds to encourage baby to laugh and interact, then moves slightly away to see if baby will reach or move toward them. The agent coaches the parent to observe social laughter, imitative play attempts, and early communication through sound and movement — building social engagement and motivation for mobility.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and baby sitting on soft surface facing each other. Have a noisy toy within reach. Baby should be alert and in a playful mood. Ensure enough space for baby to potentially move toward parent.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by showing your child the noisy toy. Shake it or make it sound, then bring it close to your face. Make a funny noise yourself — maybe a 'boop!' or a silly sound effect. Watch your child's face closely. Does they smile? Does they let out a real laugh — not just a smile, but an actual giggle or belly laugh? Tell me what joyful sounds you hear.
Watch for: Baby produces genuine laughter — audible giggles, chuckles, or belly laughs — in response to playful social interaction.
- 2~35s
Now let's see if your child tries to join in the fun. Make your funny noise again, then pause and look expectantly at your child. Does they make any sound back — maybe trying to copy your noise? Or does they reach for the toy, perhaps shaking their own hand as if to say 'I want to do that too'? Watch for any attempts to imitate or participate.
Watch for: Baby attempts to imitate parent's sounds or actions during playful interaction, showing early social imitation.
- 3~40s
Now let's encourage your child to reach toward you. Slowly move the toy a little further away — just out of easy reach — while keeping your face and the toy in their line of sight. Make the funny noise again. Watch what your child does. Does they reach with their arms? Lean forward? Maybe even try to scoot or crawl toward you? We're looking for any purposeful movement toward the interaction.
Watch for: Baby repeats sounds or actions to maintain social engagement, showing understanding of cause-and-effect in interactions.