The first laugh is a small sound with a large emotional footprint. For parents and caregivers, it can mark a new kind of connection: a baby notices a familiar face, voice, or playful pause, then answers with delight. But when does laughing usually begin, and what counts as a laugh rather than a smile, squeal, or startled sound? Elena Marsh Whitfield offers a warm, evidence-aware guide to the changing sounds and social meanings of early laughter. Learn how infant development unfolds across broad, individual ranges; how corrected age matters for babies born early; and how simple games such as peekaboo, gentle bouncing, imitation, and rhythmic songs can invite shared joy without turning development into a test. You will also find practical ways to read your baby’s cues, adapt play for temperament and sensory preferences, and protect safety while building connection. With reassurance for ordinary variation and clear guidance about when to raise persistent concerns with a health professional, this book helps adults enjoy the moment without forcing it. Part of The Smile and Happiness Library.