Physical play, like climbing, accounts for 31% of all play time. At Little Partners, we know that the benefits of playtime are crucial to child development. Children can develop:
- Fine motor skills
- Confidence
-
Agility
Read through our article to learn how to use the Pikler triangle to spur your child’s development.
We’ll even share the benefits of this activity and creative ideas to encourage play.
What is a Pikler Triangle?
Doctor Emmi Pikler's principles are put into kids’ climbing toys to help them enhance their balance and improve fine motor skills. Children enjoy physical play with a triangle that stands up as a two-sided ladder with adjustable heights.
Strong, supportive designs help kids learn to stand, climb, and play on the structure safely.
Kids develop necessary skills while burning off their immense amount of energy. Our Learn ‘N Climb model even folds up for easy storage when not in use.
Real Pikler Triangle Benefits Backed by Child Development Experts
Kids require multiple forms of stimulus to build muscle, confidence and balance. Your children can do this all in a fun, exciting way using playtime.
Pikler triangle benefits include:
- Gross motor development (GMD): Systematic reviews found that the environment plays a major role in developing these skills. Climbing assists with balance, coordination, and muscle building.
- Spatial awareness improvements: Height, depth, and length judgment are all part of understanding the environment. Kids gain this form of development each time they climb.
- Aid in standing and muscle development: Kids grab ladders to balance, practice lifting their legs, and make soft landings if they fall when climbing.
- Increase cognition, confidence and independence: Perception of a child’s abilities increases with climbing ladders. Problem-solving helps kids navigate the ladder, building confidence and independence.
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Safe climbing with multiple height adjustments: Safety is paramount in child development. We offer Pikler triangles with height adjustments that make climbing safe at any age.
Pikler triangles grow with your child’s development. From tummy time to crawling and standing, climbing ladders offer it all.
Maximizing the benefits of Pikler triangles requires making it a part of the child’s daily play. You must make the climbing ladder fun and accessible.
We’ll explain more below.
How to Use the Pikler Triangle in Everyday Routines
It’s easy. Let your child play while you set up your Pikler triangle. Parents should be present when the child is still learning to walk or stand to avoid accidents. Place the ladder in the middle of an open space just in case the child falls.
Position the ladder and set the height at an age-appropriate level.
Steeper heights are for older children, so start with the lowest height possible. Over time, adjust the ladder as the child’s GMD increases. We will share Pikler triangle ideas that are perfect for developing kids.
Our climbing ladders offer incremental height adjustments to make it easy and safe for kids to play on their own and under supervision.
Creative Play Ideas with the Pikler Triangle
Children develop quickly if you provide them with the right stimulus. We’ll share multiple Pikler triangle play ideas to help you make the most out of playtime:
Build an Obstacle Course
Exploration takes on an entirely new level of imagination when a child is young. Help your children enhance their reflexes and confidence with:
- Climbing ladders
- Crawling paths
- Balance beams
Rescue Missions
Place toys on each step of the climbing ladder and allow kids to go “rescue them.” For children learning to stand, place a stuffed animal lower, and for those beginning to climb, place another on top.
Build an Indoor Tent
Set up camp in the middle of your living room. Drape a sheet or blanket over the ladder to create a tent.
Kids can:
- Tell stories
- Play with stuffed animals
- “Roast” marshmallows over a fake campfire
An indoor tent is great for open-ended play. Let your little one’s imagination run wild.
Add a Slide or Ramp
Transform your home into a jungle gym. a slide or ramp made specifically for Pikler use. Our 2-in-1 Folding Learn ‘N Slide has two sides: one for climbing and one for sliding. With this attachment, kids will have hours of fun.
Pikler Triangle Safety Tips
Indoor climbers are so much fun for both toddlers and older children. But it’s important to keep your little one safe during playtime.
Here are the tips how to use the Pikler triangle safely:
- Choose a high-quality triangle. Ensure it’s constructed with solid materials and independently tested.
- Watch over them. Keep an eye on your small one anytime they use the Pikler.
- Play on a soft surface. Carpet or foam mats are ideal.
- Set rules and discourage risky behavior.
We also recommend that you place the ladder away from distractions like the TV. Accidents are more likely if kids are not alert and focused.
Is the Pikler Triangle Worth It? Real Feedback from Parents
Every child is unique, but most parents agree that Pikler triangles are worth it.
Why?
They help kids develop:
- Coordination
- Balance
- Grip
- Gross motor skills
- So much more
Here’s what real parents have to say:
- This is a great climber for our toddler. He is very active and this is perfect for him to get that energy out.
- Super stable and folds up nicely. Our little one gets so excited when we set it up.
- For my 11-month-old son, this climbing triangle is the ideal portable gym. He enjoys standing and climbing stairs.
- Bringing the Pikler Triangle into Your Home
The Little Partners' Learn N' Climb Triangle is simple to incorporate into your child's daily routine. Our ladder folds up for easy shipment and storage.
Plus, our triangle is:
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Made with high-quality layered birch and poplar
- The 2021 Parent Award Winner of Good Housekeeping
- Learn more about our Pikler triangle.
FAQ
What Is a Pikler Triangle Used For?
Pikler triangles are ladder-like climbing devices. They encourage children to be active and support their natural gross motor development.
We encourage you to see the “what is a Pikler triangle” section of this article for a more detailed explanation.
Is The Pikler Triangle Safe?
Indoor triangles are generally safe if they’re used properly. Parents should supervise kids and create the right play environment.
Soft surfaces like foam floor mats are a great start. Keep the area clear. Let kids explore at their own speed.
Can I Change Pikler Triangle Configurations As My Child Grows?
Yes. You can adjust the ladder’s height and even fold it up when it’s not in use. Our triangles have four lockable positions to grow with your child.
Can The Pikler Triangle Be Used Outdoors?
It’s best to use a Pikler indoors. But you can find sets designed for outdoor use.
How Long Can A Child Use The Pikler Triangle Before Outgrowing It?
The Pikler triangle age range is 6 months to 5+ years. Our Learn ‘N Climb can support up to 200 lbs., so it will be quite some time before your little one outgrows it. Multiple Pikler triangle configurations allow kids to use them as their heights change.