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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.