Like any proud mother, Jackie Davis will never forget the moment her daughter gurgled with laughter for the first time.

But as well as cherishing the special memory, Jackie used it as the basis for a new educational film which experts say could teach a generation of children how to laugh and help forge a closer bond between parent and child.

Mia was only a few months old when Jackie took her to meet her friend Tracy Baldwin, whose twin sons were a little older.

Mia was fascinated by the boys' faces, watching every movement they made.

Jackie said: "She was absolutely hooked and then laughed as she looked at their expressions.

"Tracy and I started talking about it and we realised there was a possible film to be made from this.

"If our children enjoyed looking at the smiles and expressions of other children, then surely others would like it as well."

Jackie and Tracy, both 26, decided to do some research to find out whether there would be a demand for the film and whether it could benefit babies.

They won backing from a psychiatrist who agreed the montage of images would stimulate the children. Given the choice, babies and toddlers will choose to look at a face rather than any other shape.

Watching the film, the baby will have the opportunity to observe many ways a human face can show happiness.

Specially composed classical music and a background of soothing colours have been added to the mix.

The result is Cuddletime TV, a 40-minute film featuring no dialogue and composed simply of babies smiling and laughing.

The reaction from children seeing it for the first time has been enlightening.

Jackie, from Lewes, said: "At first there is just absolute silence and their eyes are riveted.

"Then they start to smile, wave their legs and arms and laugh and clap."

Jackie said she could understand some parents might not be happy at the idea of encouraging children to watch TV but this was something different.

She said: "It is designed to be watched with both the parent and child together so they can learn from it. They can laugh and point things out.

"Using it helps the children to develop their communication skills which they will use when out in the real world.

"It also creates a sense of relaxation and well-being to see all the smiling faces.

"One person I knew had a little boy who was very shy and would not approach other children.

"After seeing the DVD he built up the confidence to go and talk to the children."

Educators are worried about children's lack of social and language skills when they start school and psychologists are becoming increasingly aware of the crucial role bonding plays in a baby's ability to socialise and to cope with stress as an adult.

The film is fascinating to babies and young children and encourages them and their carers to smile as well.

When carers and children share a pleasurable experience it strengthens the bond between them.

The shared enjoyment releases "feel-good" neurochemicals which encourage a baby's brain to grow and develop.

Mia, who is now six months old, and her friends Ethan and Keeton, now 13 months, all enjoy the film.

Jackie, who was a swimming teacher before she had Mia, said: "It is a lovely way to really bond with your child.

"I would not recommend just plonking your child in front of the TV and leaving them to look at it.

"The whole point is to get children and their parents or carers to get closer to each other and share a fun experience.

"Every time I see it, the music relaxes me and helps me to de-stress while Mia enjoys the images so we both end up feeling good."

The film is available on DVD and video and is out next month.