The Laughing Baby is a popular science book about baby psychology. Long before babies can talk, they communicate their experience of the world through laughter and tears. Until now, however, psychologists and parenting experts have largely focused on moments of stress and confusion. Developmental psychologist Caspar Addyman decided to change that.

For nearly a decade Caspar has run the Baby Laughter project, collecting data, videos and stories from parents all over the world. He has learned that laughter and smiles – crucial to reinvigorate the weariest of parents – are of central importance at the start of life. They define our cognitive and emotional development and provide a fascinating window into what babies are learning.

Moving chronologically through the first two years of infancy, The Laughing Baby explores the origin story for our incredible abilities, and how understanding them is key to understanding ourselves.

The Laughing Baby is published by Unbound.