Why Do Babies Laugh at Nothing?

Babies laugh at things that make zero sense — a crumpled piece of paper, a sock falling off a table, a face you didn't even mean to make funny. Turns out there's a real reason behind it, and it has nothing to do with comedy. In this video, we break down the surprising psychology behind infant laughter, why it shows up months before babies understand language or jokes, and what it reveals about how the human brain processes safety and surprise. You'll learn about the benign violation theory, why tickling works but self-tickling doesn't, and why your own reaction as a caregiver is doing more than you think. It turns out the same mental wiring that makes a baby howl at a sock is still running the show behind every joke, prank, and pun you laugh at as an adult. We never really grow out of it, we just add layers on top. 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into human behavior, psychology, and the weird science behind everyday moments.