At What Age Do Babies Use a Pickler Triangle

If you've heard about the Pikler Triangle and all of the benefits it offers for little ones, you may be starting to wonder if it's something you need.

Or perhaps you've already decided to add one of these climbing triangles to your Montessori environment but you're a bit overwhelmed at all of the Options available in Pikler Triangles these days.

Don't worry! Below, I've laid out a comprehensive overview of exactly what you need to know about these toddler climbers before you pick one up.

You can also jump to the bottom of the page to see our overview of the best models available on Amazon!

(This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing from these links costs you nothing extra, but helps with our website upkeep.)

• So What Is a Pikler Triangle Anway?
• Benefits of Pikler Triangles for Babies and Kids
• Is it safe for toddler climbing?
• How Tall Should Pikler Triangle Be?
• What is the best age to introduce a Pikler Climbing Triangle?
• But is a Pikler Triangle Montessori Approved?
• How is it different from other toddler climbing toys?
• Pikler Triangle vs Nugget
• Pikler Triangle vs Rocker
• Is a Pikler triangle worth the investment?
• What to know BEFORE you buy a Pikler Triangle
• The best Pikler Triangles – top hand-crafted picks
• Piccalio Mini Climber Triangle Set
• Montessori Climber Pikler Triangle
• Lily & River Pikler Triangle
• Pikler Triangles on Amazon
• Best folding Triangle Option
• Best Non-folding Triangle Option
• Best Pikler and Arch combo unit (if you've got the space, go for it!)
• Best Transformable Pickler Unit
• Best Pikler Trigles on Esty

So What Is a Pikler Triangle Anway?

Pikler triangles are a toddler climbing toy that has been trending for the last few years.

They were originally designed by Dr. Emmi Pikler over 100 years ago and only recently began gaining popularity because of the benefits they offer toddlers for the development of gross motor skills.

Benefits of Pikler Triangles for Babies and Kids

Pikler triangle provides many benefits to our children, some of these are:

• Gross motor development.
• Proprioception
• Grasping
• Confidence
• Balance
• Benefits associated with risky play

Is it safe for toddler climbing?

A Pikler triangle is as safe as any other toddler climbing toy on the market. With toddlers and babies, you'll always want to supervise gross motor play.

But the development of gross motor skills is actually an important step in developing other skills like cognitive and speech skills.  So finding toys that will encourage the development of those skills is essential.

The works on your child's large and small muscle groups, making it a unique climbing toy for development.

How Tall Should Pikler Triangle Be?

Most of the companies manufacture only two sizes, one small and the other standard. But some companies are also providing these in small, medium, and large sizes, which is great for toddlers and preschoolers on the upper end of the growth charts!'

First of all, you should keep in mind the age of your toddler when you buy a Pikler climber for him/her.

As I mentioned earlier, small size is a perfect choice for 2 years old and medium or large size is a great one for older children.

The second factor you need to consider is the height of your little energy bolt. The reason is height is associated with age. If he/she is on the taller side, then you should consider a medium or large size Pikler, and if your baby is a little shorter, then you might consider buying a small-sized Pikler Triangle.

What is the best age to introduce a Pikler Climbing Triangle?

Pikler triangles are great for toddlers and preschoolers, but they can actually be introduced as early as 6 months.

Depending on your baby's development, they may use the triangle to start pulling up to a standing position and may even attempt to climb.

Obviously, younger ages will require closer proximity to an adult so you may want to sit on the floor near your baby while they play.

But is a Pikler Triangle Montessori Approved?

Before I answer this one,  It is important to note that there is actually no such thing as a "Montessori toy", only items that are aligned with the philosophy. Dr. Montessori.

The Montessori Philosophy is based upon the idea of letting the child develop in a natural way through freedom of movement and exploration.

In Montessori institutions, a child is allowed to explore and learn from different activities, including gross motor and Practical Life.

A Pikler triangle is made of natural materials and encourages development, which means that it lines up quite nicely with Dr. Montessori's philosophy.

So although the Pikler triangle isn't officially considered "Montessori," it is one of the popular "Montessori toys" being purchased today.

How is it different from other toddler climbing toys?

Most climbing toys are intended for older children which means they are often difficult for little ones to use.

The spacing on the "steps" and the size of the handgrips on most climbers just isn't conducive for little hands and feet.

However, there are a couple of other toddler climbers on the market that are worth mentioning.

Below, I've listed the most popular alternatives and given a quick overview of how they compare to the Pikler Triangle.

Pikler Triangle vs Nugget

A nugget is basically a foam couch that can be transformed into a toddler climber and it's also extremely pricey and notoriously difficult to get your hands on.

However, the idea of the Nugget has been around for a long time. Basically, it's just a convertible climber made of foam.

Like other foam climbers, it doesn't require your toddler to use his hands to grasp and pull.  So although it definitely has its own benefits, it only assists in developing your child's large muscle groups and doesn't do much of anything for his fine motor skills.

Pikler Triangle vs Rocker

A Pikler rocker is actually another toy that's focused on toddler development.   It's also nicely aligned with Montessori standards.

So if you have the budget, you may actually want to consider a combo unit!

A rocker is a great option for both creative play and climbing because it can be flipped over and used as an arch.  However, it does have its disadvantages.

For starters, it's a space hog!

Many Pikler Triangles models have the ability to be folded and stored easily.  But a rocker will suck up an entire corner of a room.

Also, rockers are a slightly more dangerous option for little ones (especially if they have older siblings).

So many parents prefer to wait until their children are pre-school age to invest in one.

Is a Pikler triangle worth the investment?

It's hard for any one person to tell you whether or not you will feel like a specific item is worth the investment.

But what I can tell you is that we love our triangle and If I had it to do all over again, I would purchase another one without a doubt!

So if you value independence and free play while simultaneously helping your child's brain and body develop new skills… the YES! It's 100% worth the investment.

What to know BEFORE you buy a Pikler Triangle

There are a few different options when it comes to purchasing one of these toddler climbers.

So it's important to understand the difference between each model and how it will affect your child.

Obviously, the size you choose will be an important factor in your decision.

Although I've already given you the detailed information above, I'll summarize it for you again here.

Average sized two-year-old will benefit most from a small size.  Taller and older children should go with a medium to large.

The second thing you'll want to consider is whether or not you would like your Pikler to have the ability to fold up.

If you need the space-saving aspect, obviously you'll want a foldable.

However, if your toddler tends to disassemble furniture (trust me, some kids do!) then you may want to stick to a stationary option.

Although those are the two main factors in choosing your triangle, you'll also want to consider the many different models and colors available today.

They even have a transformable option!

The best Pikler Triangles – top hand-crafted picks

Piccalio Mini Climber Triangle Set

Piccalio has some beautiful and eco-friendly Montessori-aligned gross motor toys in their shop. This Pikler is called the "Mini Climber", however, its specifications are actually standard-size.

This climbing triangle is well-made and highly rated.

Montessori Climber Pikler Triangle

Montessori Climber has one of the sturdiest and most popular Montessori climbers on the market. This company also offers a ramp/slide and a climbing dome that attaches.

Lily & River Pikler Triangle

Lily & River has a wonderful selection of gross motor toys available, including their popular climbing triangle.

Pikler Triangles on Amazon

There are so many choices available today that it can be hard to choose exactly which one to purchase.

Below, I've narrowed it down to my top Four favorites.

When choosing our favorites, we focused on triangles that had great safety ratings, offer the most benefits, and stay aligned with Montessori Philosophy!

Best folding Triangle Option

If you need the convenience of storing away your Climber, then this is probably the best choice for you!

Best Non-folding Triangle Option

If you are looking for a stable option that you don't have to worry about folding and storing, this one is a fantastic choice! It's super sturdy.

Best Pikler and Arch combo unit (if you've got the space, go for it!)

Best Transformable Pickler Unit

Best Pikler Trigles on Esty

Esty is a great place to find Piklers. And the best part about getting your Pikler Triangle from Etsy is that you are supporting small businesses.

It's a win-win for everyone!

Woodland Hearts has a 3-in-1 Pikler Triangle that is also foldable.

Baby Street Fun has a colorful take on the classic Pikler that is highly rated and quite affordable.

Does your child enjoy climbing?

Cheers and don't forget to subscribe!

At What Age Do Babies Use a Pickler Triangle

Source: https://reachformontessori.com/is-a-pikler-triangle-worth-it/

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