Simple and silly ways to get your baby laughing
Under the Big Top that is our house, my wife is Ringmaster, Tightrope Walker, Juggler and Lion Tamer all rolled into one. (She also manages somehow to be sweeter than cotton candy through it all.)
Me? I’m the Clown.
While she’s keeping the balls in the air and the safety nets carefully maintained, it often falls to me to amuse our audience of two boys (9 years old and 19 months old). The 9-year-old’s easy: a slip and fall, a fart noise or two, and he’s got his money’s worth. But the toddler’s a tough crowd.
Luckily, thanks to years of comparing notes with fellow clowns (and lots of practice), I’ve got a clown car’s worth of (mostly) surefire ways to get a giggle. Of course, many of these are classics but some may be new to you. Either way, these simple tricks will have you well on your way to becoming The Greatest Show in Your House.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
Classic clowning: the go-to giggle-getters
Peekaboo: This one’s been around since the circus was training woolly mammoths.
Zerberts: a.k.a. “raspberries.” Perform anywhere on the baby (but they don’t call ’em belly laughs for nothing).
Tickle attack: Soft touch + baby soft skin = giggles with the greatest of ease.
Circus peanuts: Pretending to snack on your baby can be a real crowd-pleaser. Start with the toes and work your way up.
Center ring: spotlight's on you
Silly speak: Babies dig nonsense words (Splazz-ma-ta-loo) and real ones, too (Zzzipperrr).
Elephant ride: Babies love parents and animals. Be both! Remember to trumpet.
Dancing bear: One of the few times being a bad dancer is a good thing.
Face time: One face, endless possibilities…and it won’t freeze like that. “Rotten Eggs” and “Cross-eyed Clown” are good ones.
Props, please: a clown’s best friend
Let ’er rip: The rrriiiiiiipppp of tearing paper is funny to many babies. And now you’ve got something to do with all your junk mail.
Pie in the face: Your face, of course. No baked goods handy? A pillow works, too!
Honkin’ honker: Clowns have their noses, but anything that honks, toots or beeps will do.
Circus animals: Pets are performers, too. Pretend to ride the dog, dance with the cat, juggle the fish…they’re your pets, you know what they can do!
Shop Baby Toys
See allYou may also like
See more-
This One’s for the Modern Merrymakers: How to Make Meaningful Holiday Traditions
Holiday festivities—the parties, the presents, the glorious days off—are fun. But as much as we enjoy the break in... -
How to Talk to Kids about Santa
Spoiler alert: Santa Claus is not real—and your kids will tell you so. Despite your winks and whispers, you... -
What Makes a Welcoming Home?
You know a warm and welcoming home when you’re in it. It could be a tiny studio apartment or a sprawling ma... -
Holiday traditions: Why they matter, how to keep them, and when to let them go
Taking part in holiday traditions and rituals helps us feel like we’re a part of something bigger. They give us a ... -
Your Gift Brings Joy to Others Through Toys for Tots
This Christmas, Hallmark will donate $1 to Toys for Tots each time you buy a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® Keeps... -
What to write in a get-well card
It’s not always easy finding the words to write in a get well card. We want to offer what comfort we can. -
Fall Gift Trends
See what trend-inspired gifts are available in Hallmark Gold Crown stores this fall for all your giving needs. -
Saving Recipes, Building Family Traditions
Eating together around a big table is the center of much of family life. Join the Ng Family as they prepare a meal a... -
Good Luck Messages: What to Write in a Good Luck Card
Whether it’s a big test or a first day on a new job, a good-luck message is always welcome and appreciated. Your c... -
Friendship Messages: What to Write in a Friendship Card
Whether it’s your friend’s birthday or just any old day, sending a card is a great way to bring a smile and nurture ... -
Congratulations Messages: What to Write in a Congratulations Card
A race run, a dream job landed, a new home, a big promotion, a little victory…It’s one of life’s great joys to see... -
Thinking of You Messages: What to Write in a Thinking of You Card
Reconnect with friends and family using a personalized and creative thinking of you message. -
Easy Get Together- Potluck Dinner Ideas and Recipes
Every time we’re with our favorite people around the dinner table, we think the same thing: “Why don’t we should d... -
Preserving Family Recipes
If you’ve decided to record some of your family’s treasured recipes, you’ve taken upon yourself a valuable, if lab... -
To Care is Human: Why and How to Show You Care
What motivates any one of us to care about others? And of all the ways there are to care for people, why do we choose... -
What to write in a thank-you card
Express your gratitude with these thank you messages and ideas from Hallmark card writers. -
What to write in a Father's Day card
Find just the right words to tell dad just how much you appreciate him -
Signature Mother’s Day Jewelry Cards
Signature Mother’s Day Jewelry cards feature an actual 14k gold-plated necklace included in the design. That... -
Dad's Advice for Mother's Day
Mother’s Day is the perfect chance for today’s supportive, nurturing dads to show off their skills. And it is grea... -
Mom-Approved Mother's Day Activities
There are zero things wrong with a kid-prepared breakfast in bed or an all-you-can-eat Mother’s Day brunch buffet....
