The Reason Why Toddlers Love Elmo Is Utterly Scientific
Why the red monster is so lovable...
29 December 2020
Editor
Ever wondered why your kids are crazy over Elmo?
A new research suggests the reason behind this bright red monster’s popularity amongst toddlers is utterly scientific. And while Elmo might grate on the nerves of adults, we need to admit, he does stand out in the Sesame Street line up of characters. But why?
The American Optometric Association suggests the first reason why toddlers adore Elmo is its bright red colour. And that is because red is actually one of the first colours babies can see. And while they’re not born with all the visual abilities needed, they develop them with time. And the colours red and orange are believed to be the first babies can see in their early weeks.
Furthermore, an eye care company confirmed that red might in fact be the very first colour babies recognise. Even before orange. And thus, it makes sense now why babies and toddlers get star-struck when Elmo comes on TV.
However, colour is not the only reason babies love Elmo. As they’re not only attracted to the looks, but also to the sound of the red monster.
Experts explained that Elmo combines the parentese way of speaking, with a high-pitched language. Which also draws babies’ attention.
And because most parents, mums, and caregivers speak to babies in a high-pitched voice, dragged out vowel sounds, and exaggerated inflexion in our cultures, toddlers eventually become attracted by this tone of speaking.
And so to children, Elmo combines their two favourite things in the world, and two of the things they first recognise in life: red colour, and their parents’ voices.
That’s not all, babies and toddlers also perceive Elmo as a friend, as he mimics their own limited self-understanding and interpretation of the world around them. The red monster also incorporates a child-like way of thinking, speaking, and exploration.
