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6 Best Pikler Triangles for 2024 (Montessori Climbing Ladder)

You may have looked at this article and have absolutely no clue what is a pikler triangle. The quick and simple explanation is that it is a large wooden triangle with rungs on the sides.

They are sometimes rainbow-colored and have ladders and ramps attached. Basically, it is an indoor jungle gym.

Or maybe you are a Montessori parent and know exactly what the pikler triangle is. But are they worth the price? We are going to look at some of the best pikler triangles available and their pros and cons.

Short On Time? Here Are Our Top Three Choices

What Is A Pikler Triangle?

A classic pikler triangle is very simply a climbing frame. Whereas the traditional outdoor ones have swings, a slide, and maybe even a little cubby, the pikler triangle is geared more towards older children who have already got well developed gross motor skills.

It’s like the baby brother of the traditional outdoor climbing frame. They provide the building blocks for children to gain confidence and to develop those gross motor skills that ensure they got all their developmental milestones.

The pikler triangle was first designed by Dr. Emma Pikler (1902 – 1984). The purpose of its design was to enable children to climb at their own pace, learn to control their movements, and to discover their own limits.

The pikler provided all of this in a safe environment at home.

What Benefits Do They Offer For Children?

This piece of equipment provides children with opportunities to develop their gross motor skills at their own pace, challenge themselves physically, and learn that their body has its limits and find out what those limits are.

They can do all these things independently, encouraging them to be curious and to develop their own self-confidence.

The pikler triangle is usually associated with the Montessori approach to learning, but it is based on observations of Dr. Pikler. She believed in respectful child-rearing, free movement, and independent learning through play.

child climbing

The pikler also helps your child’s concentration, independence, and even their grip strength. All these are needed in preparation for school.

Why Would I Want To Encourage Climbing?

Although this is a question that will be asked very often with regard to the pikler triangle, it won’t actually encourage your child to start scaling the stairs or climbing your walls in real-life Spiderman style.

What it will do and what you as a parent want is a child that has physical self-awareness. You want them to understand balance, boundaries, and limits if nothing more than for their own safety.

Best Pikler Triangles for 2020

1. Triangle pikler for kids

Triangle pikler for Kids Toddlers Rock Wall Climbing Wall Ladder Wall 3in1 Learning Play Triangle Pikler Play Educational Kids Toddler Wood

This particular model comes with three different sides. One side is a climbing wall, which encourages your child to develop their problem-solving skills and their gross motor skills.

The second side is a rope wall great for stretching both the mind and the body. The third side is a climbing ladder which helps to develop your child’s balance.

The dimensions of this pikler are as follows: 34.6 inches x 29.5 inches. With those kinds of dimensions, it won’t take up a huge amount of space in your home and can be easily folded flat when not in use.

Pros 

  • Folds flat for easy storage
  • Offers three different sides in one piece of equipment
  • Easy to put together

Cons

  • Some reviews have stated that the wood has started to split where the screws have been put in.
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2. Toddler Slide Indoor Playground Set

Toddler Slide Indoor Playground Set Activity Climber Kid Play Structure Triangle

This is a more traditional pikler triangle but does come with a ramp that can then be turned around to provide a slide as well. This is perfect for little climbers as the incline on the slide can be adjusted and so can the height that the triangle is set too.

This makes it suitable for multiply age groups and ensures that it will grow with your child. It is fully foldable making it easy to store when not in use. It does have a maximum load capacity of 88 pounds.

Its dimensions are as follows:

  • Folded: 5.5 x 35 x 32.5 inches
  • Unfolded: 21 x 33.5 x 32.5 inches

The triangle with the slide weighs around 30 pounds.

Pros

  • Adjustable height and incline
  • Fully foldable for easy storage
  • Maximum weight of 88 pounds
  • Ramp doubles as a slide 

Cons

  • Difficult to assemble

 

3. Home for Dreams Pikler Triangle

HOMEforDREAMS Pikler Triangle, Step Triangle Without ramp, Climbing Ladder for Toddler, Climbing Triangle for Toddlers

This Pikler triangle comes with just the triangle. Although, a ramp and other accessories can be bought separately. The bars are painted in rainbow colors with eco paint so they are completely child safe.

Although this particular pikler doesn’t come with any additional accessories, it still provides children with a great piece of equipment to discover and develop their gross motor skills.

The dimensions are 47.2 x 34.6 x 47.2 inches.

Pros

  • Colorful ladder system

Cons

  • Difficult to assembly
  • Not height adjustable
  • Not foldable
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4. Triangle Pikler For Kids

Triangle Pikler for Kids Toddlers Kids Climbing Toy for Movement Development Rock Wall Toy Balance Blocks Learning Play Triangle Toy Pikler Play Educational Kids Toddler Wood Triangle Pikler

This pikler comes with three different sides, one is a climbing wall, the second is a rope net, and the third side is a wall staircase. All of these sides encourage the development of gross motor skills but also help to build confidence and problem-solving skills.

The dimensions are 39.3 x 34.2 x 30.3 inches.

Pros

  • Three different sides provide greater opportunities for developing motor skills

Cons

  • Not fully foldable once constructed
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5. Wooden Climbing Pikler Triangle

Wooden Climbing Pikler Triangle with Climbing Ladder, Foldable Climber, Climber for Toddlers by Montessori (Painted)

 

This is another more traditional pikler triangle with colored rungs and comes with a slide. This climbing triangle will help to develop muscles, balance control, and confidence.

It’s fully foldable for easy storage and takes up very little space. Its dimensions for the triangle is 41 x 33.9 inches, while the slide is 47 x 11.8 inches.

Pros

  • Foldable for easy storage
  • Comes with a slide

Cons

  • Only comes with slide 
  • Has the same on both sides
  • Neither height nor incline is adjustable
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6. Homi Baby Mini Pikler Climbing Triangle

Homi Baby Mini Pikler Climbing Triangle - Perfect to Help Little Ones Build Strength to Stand - Made in The USA

 

This is the perfect Pikler climber for mini people. Yes, it’s perfect for little ones just starting to be able to stand with a little help. This pikler does not fold so you would have to take into account storage space.

Its dimensions are 20.2 x 20.2 x 4.8 inches.

Pros

  • Great for very little ones
  • Small so will not take up a huge amount of space

Cons

  • Will only last for a few months
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FAQ

Where should I place my Pikler Triangle?

The Pikler Triangle should be placed on a mat or soft surface, ensuring that there are no hard or sharp edges around. This would not be placed in your child’s bedroom but would be more appropriate in the family room or toy room.

Is the Pikler Triangle safe?

As long as children are not left to play alone and always supervised, there is no reason that the Pikler is not a safe piece of play equipment.

child climbing on a small ladder

Young children will soon want to play with the pikler. They will first be a little apprehensive but will soon become confident. 

Can you add on other pieces to your Pikler triangle?

If the pikler that you purchase does not come with any additional items, such as a slide or ramp, these can be purchase separately.

Final Thoughts

If you have never thought of purchasing an indoor jungle gym, the pikler triangle is a great option.

Not only do they look appealing in your home but they offer your children a great way to get some exercise and develop some key skills to ensure that they are meeting all their developmental milestones.

One thing to note would be to ensure that you purchase a pikler that can easily be folded for easy storage and one that has the option of adjustable height and incline.

This’ll ensure that it will last your children for many years to come and continue to push their motor skills and physical limits.