Few things in life are more delightful than sharing in the laughter of a baby. Until now, however, psychologists and parenting experts have largely focused on moments of stress and confusion. Developmental psychologist Caspar Addyman decided to change that. Since 2012 Caspar has run the Baby Laughter project, collecting data, videos and stories from parents all over the world. This has provided a fascinating window into what babies are learning and how they develop cognitively and emotionally. Deeper than that, he has observed laughter as the purest form of human connection. It creates a bond that parents and infants share as they navigate the challenges of childhood. Moving chronologically through the first two years of life, The Laughing Baby explores the origin story for our incredible abilities. In the playful daily lives of babies, we find the beginnings of art, science, music and happiness. Our infancy is central to what makes us human, and understanding why babies laugh is key to understanding ourselves.

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER New mothers and fathers will find much-needed relief and insight in this perceptive and outrageously funny account of what it truly means when you bring home your very own bundle of joy... Jenny McCarthy’s hilarious, no-holds-barred personality has made her an instantly recognizable TV personality and a bestselling author. In Baby Laughs she examines the full range of challenges that new mothers anf fathers face, including: • The humiliations of postnatal “numbing spray,” Tucks medicated pads, and adult diapers; jelly belly, balding, and gum disease; and becoming a “five-foot puke rag” for the baby • Heart-stopping terrors, such as baby manicures, breathing checks, and burp failures • Inadequacies, such as lullaby illiteracy and the need for a “heavy rotation” of toys, videos, and mobiles • Daddy antics, such as infant wrestling, home-movie mania, sleeping like a log, and expecting sex • Dueling grandmas, germ-ridden guests, Olympic-class competitive mommies, anorexic pets • And much more... The joys of parenting are endless, but so are the worruies and the advice. Baby Laughs is the perfect companion for anyone trying to raise the next president, those just trying to get to the next naptime, and anyone who was ever in diapers.

From Caldecott Medalist Stephen Gammell and beloved writer Tony Johnston, this joyous picture book with audio celebrates the sound of a baby’s laughter. The family gathers round to hear the sweet sound of the new baby’s sweet laugh! But just because everyone has gathered doesn’t mean the baby’s ready. When the moment finally comes, the sound makes everyone else laugh too—aunts, uncles, cousins, and even great-grandma. It seems no one can resist the sound of baby’s laugh. And who would want to? With simple, endearing text, audio, and Stephen Gammell’s unmistakable art, this tribute to the joy a young child’s laughter will quickly become a family favorite.

Precious faces here to reveal, the many ways all babies feel! Baby Giggles explores the wide range of emotions that every child experiences in a sensitive, playful way. Babies will delight in listening to the fun rhyming text and looking at the detailed, expressive photos, each depicting a different mood. From silly to sad, grumpy to glad, this charming board book is sure to help little ones understand and express their feelings. This heartwarming new board book series by Rachael Hale introduces basic concepts to the very youngest (and cutest!) of readers. Featuring irresistible photographs of babies as they play, sleep, explore, and delight in all the unique wonders of the world around them, these books are the perfect gift for new arrivals, baby showers, birthdays, and more!

In Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts the child's First Laugh Ceremony. Who will earn the honor in this story? The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member of the community. As everyone--from Baby's nima (mom) to nadi (big sister) to cheii (grandfather)--tries to elicit the joyous sound from Baby, readers are introduced to details about Navajo life and the Navajo names for family members. Back matter includes information about other cultural ceremonies that welcome new babies and children, including man yue celebration (China), sanskaras (Hindu) and aquiqa (Muslim).

Chortle. Giggle. Titter and guffaw. And smile, smile, smile. The happiest of books is back, in full, glorious, happy color. It’s the perfect shower gift. Essential for grandparents. The most cheerful book in the parenting section. These 97 games, sight gags, parlor tricks, and practical jokes require no special talent, use just the simplest household items as props, and actually work. Babies will be entertained—and adult readers will rediscover the joy of surrendering to sheer silliness. Get baby giggling with the Exaggerated Sneeze “ah-ah-ah-ah-CHOO!” The Live Jack-in-the-Box (Dad goes in large cardboard box, family sings “Pop Goes the Weasel,” and Dad jumps out at the last line). Three-Card Monte for Babies, using plastic cups and a lemon. Plus the top ten peek-a-boo variations, Yodeling in the Canyon, the Disappearing Noodle, Baby Channel Surfing, and oldies-but-goodies including Baby’s Stinky Feet. It’s the joy of letting loose and laughing with your baby.