Are you looking for the best Pikler triangles? We can help. The Pikler triangle, also known as a Pikler Climber or Montessori Climber, was developed by Hungarian pediatrician Dr. Emmi Pikler. It is designed to encourage babies and toddlers to gain gross motor skills at their own pace. Widely used by the Montessori community, this climbing triangle is a great tool for childhood development. While there are many options on the market, there are some key features to keep in mind when choosing the best Pikler triangle for your family. You not only want one that is safe, but also high quality. This is one of the most popular of all Montessori toys, and certainly the most engaging. Through extensive research, we’ve nailed down those key features and found the best Pikler triangles on the market – and they’re listed below!
If you’re still not sure about what a Pikler Triangle is, check out our article on What is a Pikler Triangle right here. Or, read the Best Balance Boards for Toddlers. Or, if you’d like to read up on Montessori and Waldorf philosophies (both big proponents of the Pikler Triangle) read our article here.
First, let’s answer some common questions about the Pikler Triangle:
Is the Pikler Triangle Safe?
First, we thought we’d debunk some common myths about the Pikler triangle. The pikler triangle serves the purpose of improving gross motor development. Therefore, these products have been designed for safe climbing play (supervised, of course). Independent free play is a great way for your little one to discover their own abilities and encourage them to continue to try new things. So, a great plus about the pikler triangle is that there is no “right age” for a child to start using the climbing toy. Some babies will explore it before they begin to walk, while others will utilize it as they become more comfortable walking and moving around in their own space.
What Age is Best for the Pikler Triangle?
Children as young as 6 months old can begin using the Pikler triangle (with supervision) and can be used up to children 6 years old. Due to their large size, there should always be an adult present when a child is using a Pikler triangle.
Are Pikler Climbers Worth it?
Yes, yes, yes! In our opinion, this is one of the best “toys” out there. Essentially, it’s a combined sensory AND motor development helper for your little ones. Your children are growing with the Pikler triangle – which is hard to find in a “toy”. Babies can play under and around the triangle, as they progress they can begin to use the rungs to stand. Once your kiddos get older – you can add accessories onto the climber – bridge, ramp, table, climbing arch – whatever your heart desires. As your kids experiment, they’ll become both more comfortable and more confident in their ability to navigate self-play. Finding toys that develop gross motor skills are essential for your little ones!
Why are the Best Pikler Triangles So Expensive?
Most Pikler triangle models use Birch Plywood – which is an expensive type of wood (60-70% of the total Pikler triangle cost!). Raw materials are expensive! Then, you have the labor and shipping prices. These last forever though – and your child will grow with them. In our opinion – totally worth it! Also, you can often add on additional pieces to create a complete set. For example, a balance board is a popular add on that many companies offer. The balance board from Picallio is our personal favorite. You can find it here. This is another playroom item that even older children will enjoy.
Another popular add on is a climbing ramp, which most of the companies listed below will offer. A rocker is another favorite, and is transformable from a rocker to a tunnel to a rainbow, there are truly endless combinations!
What is the Difference Between a Pikler Triangle and a Tower?
You may be asking…why spend the money on a pikler triangle when you could just buy a cheaper tower for your kids to climb on? Firstly, this toy is specifically
You may be asking…why spend the money on a Pikler Triangle when you could just buy a cheaper tower for your kids to climb on? Firstly, this toy is specifically designed to grow gross motor skills. Secondly, this toy will grow with your children. You can buy it when your little one is a baby and they will utilize it until they’re much older…trust us, it’s worth the investment. Thirdly, most towers aren’t specifically made for babies… the spacing on the handgrips and the distance between where to place their feet can be overwhelming for little ones. Also, Montessori towers are usually designed to help toddlers and preschools reach the counter in order to help in the kitchen. These products are designed simply for playing!
Now, although these climbing triangles are often associated with Montessori, Waldorf classrooms and playrooms will also often incorporate one of these climbers, as long as they are made with natural, wood materials and go with the muted aesthetic of a Waldorf playroom. Truly, any preschooler will fall in love with the joy of climbing on any of these models.
If you want more information on the Pikler Triangle, check out our article on What is a Pikler Triangle right here.
Benefits of the best Pikler Triangles
- Strengthens gross motor development
- Teaches balance, coordination and self confidence
- Improves spacial awareness
- Aids in muscle growth and strength
- Encourages creativity through open-ended play
- Offers a safe environment to explore and HAVE FUN!!
The Best Pikler Triangles
There are a lot of different models of the pikler triangle out there. Luckily, we’ve created a list of our favorite picklers – rest assured they are all well-made and safe. There are a lot of different models of the Pikler Triangle out there. Luckily, we’ve created a list of our favorite Piklers – rest assured they are all very high quality and safe. Read on!!
Best Pikler Triangle Overall
Wiwiurka Foldable Climbing Triangle
This foldable climbing triangle is the perfect option to encourage little climbers. Watch your little one make their way up the climbing frame, gaining self-confidence with each new step they take. This Wiwiurka model has a weight limit of 100 lbs – which makes it great for all ages. It even has a rainbow color option!
Best Looking Pikler Triangle
All of the products from the company Piccalio are gorgeous, but especially the beautiful folding Pikler Triangle. Theirs is super sturdy, foldable, and might be the perfect climbing triangle for your little one. Piccalio also carries a full line of Montessori products, including a climbing ramp, balance board, stepping stones, and balance beam. They are definitely one of our favorite companies on this list!
Best Pikler Triangles with Climbing Ramp
Pikler Climbing Gym from EZPlay Climbing Gyms
Foldable Pikler Triangle
Sweet Home from Wood Pikler Triangle
This foldable little climber was specifically designed to help your little one through promoting open-ended play, improving balance and coordination, and much more. This product is a great option to grow your child’s courage – so put it out on your living room play mat and get to exploring!!
Wiwiurka Pikler Triangle
Wiwiurka Foldable Triangle with Ramp
Best Pikler Triangles with Endless Combinations
Lily & River Bamboo Wood Climber
I will say…made out of bamboo, this fully modular climbing triangle is so cool!! Plus – it has so many different combinations. Seriously – look at that 2-in-1 rockwall! If you aren’t digging the rockwall, you can choose from a reversible ladder/slide…or even both! Plus, this pikler triangle folds flat for easy storage and includes a read-along board book!
Modifiable Pikler Triangle
Best Small Pikler Triangle
Pikler Triangle with Double-Sided Ramp
So, if you’re thinking about starting out your little climber young, this is the perfect option for you. I like this climbing ladder…it’s made out of natural wood therefore it’s a safe option.This climbing structure really fascinates the little ones. Check this one out on Amazon!
Best Rainbow Pikler Triangles
Wiwiurka Climbing Furniture Combo
Look at this stunning wooden play-set complete with a climbing triangle AND a small climbing arch for your little Montessori climbers. In addition…it comes in rainbow!!
Best Affordable Climbing Triangle
Jumbo Foldable Climbing Triangle
You should buy this if you’re looking for an affordable large pikler triangle. I wanted to find something that came in both a natural color & rainbow – and look, I found it!
So…
In conclusion, we hope you were able to find a product of your liking from the options above. Above all, we understand the need for a safe toy that facilitates growth in all the right ways. Buy a pikler triangle today to create a home for dreams!! 🙂 Similarly, if you did purchase a climbing wall from our list above, we’d love to hear your thoughts about it in the comments. However – if you bought a different product than those above, we’d still love to hear about it in the comment section! Lastly – make sure to bookmark our blog page so you don’t miss any great content!
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