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A Pikler triangle is a climbing structure for children. And it’s not “Pickler” or “Picklar” which are common misspellings. The name comes from its creator, Dr. Emmi Pikler, a Hungarian pediatrician.
Dr. Pikler developed a child-rearing approach based on a kind and respectful relationship between an adult and infant, through tender care moments, a naturally paced motor development, free movement and uninterrupted play. Dr. Pikler believed in the child’s inherent ability to guide his or her own motor development.
This is where the Pikler’s triangle comes into play. The Pikler triangle is a climbing structure that children learn to navigate on at their own pace. The Pikler triangle allows children to explore their body, learn their own boundaries and respond to their climbing needs. It also helps develop gross motor skills, physical strength and agility, encouraging free movement and free play.
It can be introduced at 6 months old and generally can be expected to be used up until age 5.
Around 6 months of age, babies can use the rungs of the Pikler triangle to pull up and stand. As they develop, children begin exploring the structure by climbing part way up then back down (around 1-2 years of age). Older children (around 4-5 years of age) typically “master” the Pikler triangle and are able to climb all the way to the top and climb over and down the other side.
Though the Pikler triangle is optimal for 6 month olds to 5 year olds, it can still be useful for those outside this age range. For instance, newborns could lay under the Pikler triangle with toys hanging from the rungs, similar to a play gym. Older children will likely find creative uses for the Pikler triangle, such as forts, puppet shows, or other open-ended play.
Although the Pikler triangle is often found in Montessori-inspired classrooms and homes, the Pikler Triangle in and of itself, is not Montessori.
However, the Pikler Triangle fits in perfectly to the Montessori philosophy of natural gross motor development. Part of natural gross motor development means allowing children to develop their gross motor skills at their own pace.
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There are various modern-day renditions of the Pikler triangle (i.e. “Pickler inspired”).
There are various sizes as well as accessories available.
One of the most popular and readily-available brands of the “Pickler inspired” triangle in the United States is made by Lily & River.
Lily & River’s version of the Pickler triangle is called The Little Climber. Lily & River makes their climber in the United States and with safe, non-toxic materials.
You can also get various accessories with your Lily & River climber - like a 2-in-1 slide and rockwall (one side’s a rock wall and the other side is a slide!), or a 2-in-one slide and ladder.
The price tag of this Pikler triangle is steep, but everyone who has one says it’s well worth it! The Natural Baby Company also offers a pay over time feature.
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