The Pikler Triangle: All Your Questions Answered

I am so happy that we gifted my son with a Pikler Triangle for his first birthday. Even though It was expensive I would have to say buying a Pikler Triangle is absolutely worth it.

Here’s my honest opinion based on 18 months of owning and enjoying 3 Pikler Triangles with attachments.

The Pikler Triangle – Everything you want to know!

#1 What is a Pikler Triangle?

The Pikler Triangle is a foldable, wooden A-frame designed by Dr. Emmi Pikler

#2 At what age can your child use a Pikler Triangle?

As a general rule, the Pikler Triangle can be used from the time a baby becomes mobile until 6 years old. A crawling baby can use the climber to pull themselves up, scoot back and forth and eventually walk. They will start climbing as they become more confident in their abilities.

The Pikler Triangle comes in different sizes (small, medium & large) and each size is suited more for a specific age.

My son turned 1 when we purchased our first Pikler Triangles. We purchased the small (16 x 29 x 17 inches), medium (29.5 x 29 x 24.5 inches) and large (42.5 x 29 x 34.5 inches) frame as well as a reversible ramp/slide attachment (15 x 43 inch).

To start with, I set up the ramp to connect the two triangles to form a bridge. This was very helpful for my son who was not yet walking and enjoyed pulling himself up and scooting up and down the ramp. I would lay activities and books out for him to do at the ramp and he seemed to really enjoy that. I also used the small version next to our french doors where he liked to look out the window. It gave him something solid to hold on to.

I also used the frames to create a Yes space (to block off a play area where he was safe). They functioned almost as a baby gate would but they were much more attractive and safe to climb.

#3 Is a Pikler Triangle Montessori?

The Pikler Triangle was designed by Dr. Emmi Pikler and not Dr. Maria Montessori but it does align with the Montessori philosophy of freedom of movement. You will frequently see the Pikler Triangle in Montessori homes and play areas where self-directed play is encouraged. The importance of movement is also well documented in the Montessori philosophy and the Pikler triangle promotes gross movement as well as self-directed, independent play.

#4 Why are Pikler Triangles so expensive?

Pikler Triangles are expensive due to the cost of birch wood and in particular, the dowel rods used. These climbing frames are not mass-produced either and have to be hand made which leads to a higher price tag. I’m sure the fact that they are a bit of a fashion statement these days is also driving the price up.

Read on to see how you can build your own at a fraction of the price.

#5 Is a Pikler Triangle worth the price?

Personally, I think they are well worth the price and you can easily recoup the costs by selling them once your children have outgrown them. If you consider how much you spend on other toys and gadgets that either break, never get used or that your child outgrows in a matter of months, the price of a Pikler Triangle doesn’t seem so high.

#6 What are the benefits of a Pikler Triangle?

Here are 10 benefits off the top of my head but I’m sure there are even more!

1. Increased gross motor development in mobile babies and toddlers
2. Aids in developing critical self-confidence
3. Enhanced creativity
4. Encourages self-exploration
5. Respects natural development
6. Helps to strengthen every muscle – from the hands to the feet.
7. Leads to less overall injury in day to day life (due to all the increase in development)
8. Better balance & coordination
9. Perfect for Indoor (and outdoor) use – perfect for families who are short on space or lacks a garden.
10. Foldable climbers can be stored away when not in use.

#7 Can I make my own?

As a general rule, you can make your own Pikler triangle provided that you have the woodworking skills and power tools necessary to build one safely. There are several great DIY tutorials online but I found this video on Youtube really helpful.

#9 What activities can my child do with a Pikler Triangle?

The Pikler Triangle dictates how it’s used without requiring any instruction from us. Your child should be allowed to use it at their own terms and at their own pace. Try not to encourage or even ‘promote’ it as something fun especially if your child seems hesitant. It is very important for them to use it as they see fit (while being safe) and not to be pressured.

Apart from climbing and sliding, your Pikler Triangle can also be used as a tent or make-shift house by throwing a blanket over the top. It makes a lovely cozy little tent.

The slide or ramp can be used to roll balls or drive cars down. You can even construct an obstacle course or ball drop game by sticking empty toilet paper rolls to the slide with sticky tape.

There are so many different things to do with your Pikler Triangle – this website will give you some additional ideas

#10 Alternatives to the Pikler Triangle

At the end of the day, owning a Pikler Triangle is very convenient and beneficial but not everyone can afford one or has space for one or maybe you live somewhere where you can’t find one or buy one. Not the end of the world at all. You can still make sure your child gets enough opportunity for movement by making sure they have things to climb on or hang from.

What you need to look for when buying a Pikler Triangle

#1: Safety

The construction is the most important and secondly the finishes. Make sure the climber is sturdy and that the pieces were not just glued together. The frame also needs a safety pin or clip to keep the frame open so it doesn’t close mid-climb.

Most Triangles are not painted but if they are, the paint or varnishes should be non-toxic (free from lead, heavy metals, and phthalates).

#2: Quality

This refers to the general feel of the product as well as the wood and hardware used. Make sure these are solid wood and steel hardware. No rusted bolts or splintered wood.

#3: Size

Buying the right size frame will also ensure that your child doesn’t outgrow it too quickly. This is just a general guide based on our frames and my son’s experience with each. There is quite a bit of overlap which is why we chose to buy several sizes and other attachments.

Frame size	Dimensions	Suggested age
Small	16 x 29 x 17 inches (40 x 7	0 – 18 months
Medium	29.5 x 29 x 24.5 inches (75 x 73 x 62 cm)	18 months to 3 years
Large	42.5 x 29 x 34.5 inches (108 x 73 x 88 cm)	2 – 5 years

#5: Space

Make sure your Pikler Triangle folds up so you can put it away when you are not using it. Also, make sure you have the floor space for the frame and any attachments your child will use.

Which Pikler Triangle should you buy?

I have studied all the options on Amazon extensively and this is the one I would recommend getting. The CASSARO KIDS climber

I would highly recommend also getting their ladder attachment

I hope you all find the right Pikler Triangle for your home and that you enjoy it as much as we do.

Happy climbing!