Yes, for many trips — a companion that talks, tells stories, and answers questions can do the same job as a tablet, without the glare or the meltdown when the screen switches off. More than half of parents and grandparents now build no-screen periods into family trips on purpose (Institute for Family Studies).
The shift is real, but not universal
Survey data shows 49% of parents still plan to use screens in the car this year, up four points from last year, while 90% say they try to limit screen time over summer and 64% feel they actually succeed (PR Newswire survey data). The intention is strong; the execution is where most families struggle.
What happens when the screen disappears
Kids used to a tablet as default entertainment get restless at first — that part isn't in dispute. But younger children adapt fastest once the initial friction passes, usually by the end of the first afternoon, especially with something else to fill the gap (Institute for Family Studies).
A packing checklist for a screen-free drive
- A couple of books or a travel game as low-tech backup
- Snacks timed to the drive, not just "whenever"
- A phone hotspot, if your companion needs Wi-Fi to talk
- A stop planned every couple of hours
- A comfort object your child already knows — the transition is easier with something familiar
Why a talking companion beats a screen in the car
A tablet keeps a child's eyes on a bright screen for hours — the opposite of what most parents are trying to do — and can add to motion sickness on winding roads. Ted keeps hands and imagination busy without competing with the view out the window: it can invent a new story every hour or answer the "why is the sky blue" questions kids save for car rides. One practical note: Ted needs Wi-Fi for real-time conversations, so a phone hotspot replaces home Wi-Fi on the road. For more on why kids lean on a familiar plush toy in unfamiliar settings like a car seat, see our piece on comfort objects.
FAQ
Does Ted work without home Wi-Fi in the car?
Ted needs an internet connection to talk in real time, so on the road that means a phone hotspot rather than home Wi-Fi.
How long does the battery last?
About 4–6 hours per charge, recharging in around 2 hours via USB-C — enough for most single-day drives.
Can I limit how long my child talks to Ted during a trip?
Yes, the Ted&Co app lets you set time limits and topics before you leave.