Laughing
Baby produces laughter in response to social interaction or stimulation
What the research says
Referenced across 1 developmental framework: asq_3
Full quotes, source languages, and document links coming soon as we finish the source-evidence indexing pass.
Before this (3)
How it's taught
Observe during playful interaction and games
Materials: Social games, peek-a-boo, tickling
What mastery looks like
Does not laugh
- Only smiles or chuckles
- No audible laughter
Occasionally produces brief laughs
- Rare laughter
- Very brief laugh sounds
Sometimes laughs in response to stimulation
- Laughs with prompting
- Inconsistent laughter
Regularly laughs during play and social interaction
- Spontaneous laughter
- Sustained laugh sounds
Laughter is well-established social-emotional response
- Laughs readily
- Uses laughter communicatively
Activities for this (12)
Mirroring the Sounds
Parent sits face-to-face with baby and imitates every sound baby makes for about 10 minutes. This positive reinforcement encourages more vocalization and strengthens the communication bond. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's sound production, turn-taking behavior, and social engagement.
Let's Laugh!
Parent uses two soft toys or puppets to create playful interactions that encourage baby to laugh and engage socially. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's joyful responses, imitation attempts, and social connection during play — building early social skills and emotional expression through shared laughter.
Pass the Ball with Friends
Parent and a familiar friend pass a ball back and forth while baby watches and participates. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's social engagement, enjoyment of interactive play, and differentiated responses to familiar versus unfamiliar adults — building early social awareness and relationship skills.
Imitation Playtime
Parent sits with baby using cushions for support and engages in simple imitation play with a rattle. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's social engagement, recognition of familiar caregivers, emotional regulation through familiar voices, and positive responses to loving interactions — building early social skills and strengthening the parent-child bond.
Peek-a-Boo with Toys
Parent uses stuffed animals or toys to play peek-a-boo with baby, observing attention, gestural responses, and emotional expressions. The agent coaches the parent to notice how baby communicates preferences and engages socially during this interactive play — building early communication skills and emotional expression.
Tickle and tell diaper change
Bond with baby during diaper changes. Making diaper changes interactive helps foster communication while strengthening fine motor and social-emotional skills. Place your baby on a flat surface and remove their clothing gently. Softly tick
Moisturizing massage
Moisturize baby's skin to stimulate the nerves. Begin this activity after giving your baby a nice bath. Place him or her on a flat surface and dry him or her well. Now, take some baby moisturizing lotion and start to massage every part of his or he
Tummy Soothing Massage
Parent performs a gentle tummy massage to help relieve baby's colic or stomach discomfort. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's relaxation responses, social connection during caregiving, and physical comfort cues — building trust and providing relief through nurturing touch.
Soothing Tummy Massage
Parent gently massages baby's tummy using downward strokes and circular motions to help relieve stomach discomfort. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's relaxation response, social connection during caregiving, and body awareness as baby experiences soothing touch.
Clock's Hands Tummy Massage
Parent gently massages baby's tummy in a clockwise motion to help relieve gas or constipation discomfort. The agent coaches the parent to observe baby's relaxation response, physical comfort cues, and bonding during this soothing, caregiving interaction.
Feeding Conversations
Parent engages in gentle, responsive conversation with baby during bottle feeding, observing social engagement, vocal responsiveness, and emotional connection. The agent coaches the parent to notice eye contact, vocal turn-taking, and contented responses during this intimate bonding moment.
Diaper Change Copycat
Parent engages baby in facial imitation games during diaper changes, turning routine care into social interaction. The agent coaches the parent to observe imitation attempts, social smiling, and engagement during caregiving moments — building social reciprocity and emotional connection.
Formal assessments
No matching assessment items indexed yet.