We’ve always been more of a cookie monster fan, ourselves.
Sesame Street’s Elmo is fairly adorable but after a half hour or so, the fiery critter’s voice can put even the most patient parents on edge.
But despite the high-pitch of Elmo’s voice, toddlers appear not to be able to get enough of him.
As it turns out, there’s a scientific (and very logical) reason why.
Elmo is wishing all of Elmo's friends a happy Monday! Remember, Elmo loves you! pic.twitter.com/sPiKaVXFzs
— Elmo (@elmo) February 26, 2018
Elmo’s bright colouring is a huge factor in his fanbase since red is among the first colour that babies can see.
The American Optometric Association notes that while babies aren’t born with all of the visual abilities they need in life, they learn and improve these abilities over the first few years of life.
And, as babycentre.co.uk explains, babies are able to see some more vivid colours after just a few weeks – including red and orange.
Elmo wants to wish a very happy birthday to Elmo's friend, @SesameErnie! Elmo loves you! pic.twitter.com/OrBlQD0kez
— Elmo (@elmo) January 28, 2018
But it’s not all about the appearance – there’s another reason toddlers become awe-struck by Elmo: because he sounds (and acts) just like them.
Clinical social worker Kaleigh Boysen explained to Café Mom:
“He speaks like a child does, and asks questions that a child might ask.
“His questions and attempts to understand mimic a young child’s thought process. His voice is also higher pitched, making him sound more childlike and easier for small children to hear.”
Elmo tried to take a selfie! It's harder than it looks! Ha ha ha! pic.twitter.com/quxuGtjG3i
— Elmo (@elmo) January 24, 2018
It turns out there’s a third and final reason that your little one may go gaga for the red furball: because he reminds toddlers of their mothers.
Dr. Lauren Gardner, administrative director of the Autism Center at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, added:
“His speech style is ‘mother-ese’.
“The high-pitched voice, dragged-out vowel sounds, and exaggerated inflection is how most children are spoken to by caregivers in our culture.”
