Who’s the star of Sesame Street for your kids? While you might not choose Elmo, there’s no denying that this adorable red monster captivates the hearts of toddlers everywhere. At just two-and-a-half years old, Elmo has a unique charm—perhaps it’s his high-pitched voice, his endearing mistakes, or the way he manages his feelings. Plus, there’s something oddly charming about how he always refers to himself in the third person! Kids simply can’t resist this furry little character. And guess what? They can actually call Elmo now!
While some long-time fans of Sesame Street might grumble about Elmo’s dominance, the reality is that today’s children are drawn to him more than any other character, even Snuffy. Elmo seems to resonate with kids on a deeper level, making him an ideal companion in this tech-savvy age.
Thanks to advancements in technology and the recent HBO acquisition, the new generation of kids has access to engaging Sesame specials that tackle important topics, along with a vast array of merchandise. But the best part? Now your kids can connect directly with Elmo through a fun app.
Elmo Calls App (Available on Apple and Android)
Pricing and Features
The app is priced at $1.99 and comes with an initial “pack” that includes around six messages from Elmo. Subsequent themed packs are also available for $1.99 each or you can opt for all of them at once for $6.99, giving your child access to an additional 45 videos and 71 calls. We decided to go for the full bundle right away since the toddlers in our lives adore Elmo!
What’s in the Packs?
Elmo has a knack for motivating kids to do anything, and the Sesame Street team knows this well. The app features a mix of entertaining songs and jokes, alongside practical “calls” that cover educational topics like the alphabet and counting. There are also packs that address challenging subjects such as sibling squabbles, bedtime routines, and visits to the doctor. Elmo even helps children express their feelings—making it a fantastic tool for the whole family.
User-Friendly Features
Many kids’ apps are not as “kid-friendly” as they claim to be, but this one is designed with little hands in mind. In “Grown-Up Mode,” you can customize which calls and videos are easily accessible for your child. For example, if you’re not ready to tackle potty training, you can hide that call until you are. Plus, the app rotates through songs, so you won’t have to hear the same clips repeatedly.
If you’re looking for more potty training assistance, Elmo has you covered with the Potty Time with Elmo app, which tracks your child’s progress. Kids can check off when they go, flush, and wash their hands, making the transition from diapers to underwear a breeze.
Scheduling Calls
The fun doesn’t stop there! You can schedule calls from Elmo to say “Good night” before bedtime, or to remind your child about sharing just when a conflict is about to occur at the train table. What more could a parent wish for?
And while Elmo doesn’t bring Starbucks or wine just yet, we can always hope for that in a future update!
Call Cookie Monster
Elmo isn’t the only character available; you can also chat with Cookie Monster through the Call Cookie Monster app. Enjoy video chats, leave voice messages, and rest assured that Cookie Monster is always available for his friends.
More Sesame Street Connections
If you want your child to engage with their favorite characters in different ways, there are also fun PSAs available on Instagram. For instance, Grover encourages kids to practice self-care, while Oscar the Grouch humorously reminds everyone to stay home during the pandemic. Elmo’s dad even shares motivational messages for parents who may be feeling overwhelmed.
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