How to Select and Use the Best Pikler Triangle: Your Guide

A wide, wooden triangle with rungs sits in the middle of the playroom. A 2-year old climbs up the climbing toy and slides down a wooden plank with glee. What is this little one playing with? A Pikler triangle set, made for young children ages 6 months to 6 years old.

So, how do you use this baby climbing toy? And which is the best Pikler triangle for your home? Learn everything you need to know about this baby climbing toy and how to use it below:

Pikler Triangle Basics: What is it?

If you’re wondering, “What is a Pikler triangle?”, we’ve got you covered. This wooden climbing toy is triangle-shaped. It has a wide base with rungs spaced out for grabbing and climbing. 

Dr. Emmi Pikler, a Hungarian pediatrician, developed the Pikler triangle in the 1930s. The design has been largely unchanged until this day. She designed this climbing structure to help babies and young children develop gross motor skills such as standing, walking, and climbing. 

The Pikler triangle encourages children to use play for learning. While climbing, toddlers problem solve and practice spatial awareness. Plus, your child can develop their muscles and gain confidence in their new climbing skills.

How to Use the Pikler Triangle

Using the Pikler triangle is straightforward. Place the Pikler triangle on a stable surface. Then, invite your child to explore the wooden climbing toy. Always make sure to supervise your child when they’re using the triangle. 

How to Use the Pikler Triangle with a 6-month to 1-year old

The Pikler triangle provides great support for babies and toddlers who are learning to crawl, pull themselves up, and even walk! One of the best baby climbing toys, a child can play for hours with this wooden frame.

To start, encourage your child to reach up and grab a rung of the climbing frame. One thing you can try is to draw their attention to the wooden climbing toy by shaking a rattle nearby. 

Babies are already learning to copy and mimic you. So, you can also demonstrate grabbing the rungs and standing beside the triangle. Or, simply allow them to explore the Pikler in their own time. 

What can you expect a child this age to achieve on this climbing triangle?

• Build upper body and grip strength by grabbing onto the rungs
• Begin pulling themselves up into a standing position using the rungs
• Take a few steps, using the rungs as a safe support

For very young children, you may consider using a play mat underneath the triangle. This can help soften bumps as they work on building gross motor skills.

How to Use the Pikler Triangle with a Toddler

Once toddlers can walk independently, they still have lots of gross motor skills to develop. Toddlers are climbing machines! They can develop coordination and balance, and build strength by climbing up and over the climbing frame. 

As they grow more confident, children can use supplemental parts. Many Pikler triangle sets come with a rock climbing board or slide. Toddlers can begin to use this accessory as an extra challenge. 

How to Use the Pikler Triangle with an Older Child

Older children can use the Pikler triangle for climbing, sliding, and even imaginative play. The wooden toy encourages open-ended play.

In addition to climbing the Pikler triangle, children can turn it into a tent. Simply put a blanket overtop of it. Or, children can race cars down the slide. 

The Pikler triangle is also a great element to add to obstacle courses. Have children climb over the triangle, or ask them to crawl under it as part of a fun, active indoor game.  

The Best Pikler Triangle

Which is the best Pikler triangle? The best Pikler triangle is sturdy and made of safe materials. Babies and toddlers may want to chew on the rungs, which means you’ll want to ensure the materials are non-toxic.

Also, make sure to buy from a well-established seller. Poor craftsmanship with wood can mean your child might be at risk of getting a splinter. 

Our Pikler Triangle Set is thoughtfully crafted with high quality wood including pine and birch plywood. Plus, our products meet the Children's Product Certificate (CPC). We also meet ASTM F963 and California Prop 65 Standards and Regulations.

All materials are non-toxic. Plus, it comes with a reversible rock wall and slide ramp accessory.

Most importantly, our Pikler triangle is safe and sturdy. Children love to climb. Without a dedicated baby climbing toy, toddlers climb on furniture such as the couch or even bookcases. Purchasing a Pikler triangle provides a safe place for your little one practice climbing.

Ideal for handling up to 132 pounds, your child can use our wooden climbing frame for many years. Plus, you can fold up the climbing frame for easy storage. We believe it's one of the best Pikler triangles on the market!

Choose the Best Pikler Triangle

Are you ready to give your child the best wooden climbing toy? Our 5-star review average speaks for itself. There’s no better Pikler Triangle Set. If you’re still considering which wooden toy to purchase, check out some other best gifts for toddlers here!