Is your toddler obsessed with climbing on everything? Getting a Pikler triangle set might be a fun way to help them explore the world, flex those growing muscles, and satisfy their curiosity. With so many brands available on the market, you may feel overwhelmed when you want to choose the best Pikler triangle.
In this review, I’ve curated a list of the best Pikler triangles that I’ve tested. I also included in-depth info on how to choose one and the pros and cons of owning a Pikler triangle set.
At a Glance:
- RAD Children’s Furniture – Best Overall
- The Playwilder Montessori Gym – Runner-Up
- Baby and Toddler Climbing Set by Wiwiurka – Colorful Pick
- Wood and Heart Montessori Furniture Set of Five – Best Montessori Climber and Pikler Triangle
- Piccalio Climber Pikler Triangle Set – Mini Pick
- Dripex Wooden Climbing Triangle and Ramp – Most Versatile
What is a Pikler Triangle?
A Pikler triangle, also known as a climbing triangle, is a wooden climbing frame with a sturdy base designed for children between the age range of 6 months to 6 years. It enables your little partners to achieve age-appropriate developmental and coordination milestones.
Over one hundred years ago, a Hungarian pediatrician, Emmi Pikler, developed the Pikler triangle because it’s believed that a child’s development is enhanced through imaginative play and free movement.
Although the original Pikler triangle is a simple triangle, you may find it being paired with some ideas from the Montessori philosophy, like the climbing arch. You can also install some add-ons like a ladder slide, rock wall, tunnel, rocker, and some ramps.
Babies can practice how to pull up and stand using the rungs, while older children can practice climbing. Uninterrupted play using Pikler triangles can help children to gain self-confidence, strength, and balance control.
The Pros and Cons of Pikler Triangles
Based on Dr. Pikler’s ideology that children should be allowed to play independently, Pikler triangles offer several benefits.
First off, they encourage children’s motor skill development as they attempt to climb and move every part of their bodies. Because the Pikler triangle is a climbing toy, your child may fall while climbing. But as they rise, they’re challenged to try again, thereby strengthening their gross motor skills.
Next, moving within and around a Pikler triangle increases spatial awareness. Your child learns to build an obstacle course as well as navigate the triangle in different positions and directions.
Lastly, through children’s imagination, while playing on a Pikler triangle, they learn balance, confidence, and limits. It’s a safer option than allowing them to learn these skills by climbing up and down the stairs or another piece of furniture.
Despite these benefits, the major drawback of a Pikler triangle is the cost because it’s made of quality wood and comes with one or more accessories for a variety of plays. Also, some parents think their kids will get tired of it after a week or so.
What Are the Best Pikler Triangles?
Before you head out to the store or surf the internet to select a Pikler triangle online, I’ve reviewed some of the best Pikler triangles available. This selection was made based on materials, size, safety, and price.
1. RAD Children’s Furniture – Best Overall
Our Take
The RAD Children’s Furniture Pikler Triangle set has well-spaced rungs, enabling children to climb safely. Also, the foldable triangle allows you to store it when not in use.
| Best For | Overall |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
RAD Children’s Furniture Pikler triangle is specially handmade in America, following the guidelines of the original Pikler triangle of Dr. Pikler. As a result, it’s endorsed as the official Pikler triangle of the Pikler organization.
The climbing triangle is simple and suitable for new climbers. It has a short ramp for limited space and a long ramp for schools and large play spaces.
Additionally, the RAD Children’s Furniture Pikler Triangle is made from Eurostyle birch plywood, which makes it eco-friendly, long-lasting, and attractive. Also, its finish is UV-cured, so I found it very easy to clean.
And because it doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you’re assured of your child’s safety while they play.
When not in use, you can easily fold the Pikler triangle into a flat unit of about 5 inches wide. The Pikler triangle is built for indoor use and there’s no guarantee of UV protection if used outdoors.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 28″(L) x 35″(W) x 29″(H) (when open)
- Age range: up to 5 years
- Weight: 13 lb
- Weight limit: 100 lb per child
- Spacing between rungs: 3.5″
Pricing
Bottom Line
The RAD Children’s Furniture Pikler Triangle set has well-spaced rungs, enabling children to climb safely. Also, the foldable triangle allows you to store it when not in use.
2. The Playwilder Montessori Gym – Runner-Up
Our Take
If you’re looking for a Pikler triangle set that offers more than the traditional setup, Playwilder is the way to go. It’s easy to assemble and the manufacturers are just a phone call away if you need help.
| Best For | Runner-Up |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
Playwilder is a family-oriented business that’s inspired by the philosophies of Emmi Pikler. Its climbing gyms are a combination of all the amazing pieces of climbing furniture you can find in the store: a large triangle, a cube, a climbing arch, and two ramps (a rock wall and a ladder).
Each piece of The Playwilder Montessori Gym can be used for separate plays. For instance, your kids can crawl inside the cube, sit on it, or climb over it. Also, when the ramps are flipped over, they become slides or flat surfaces for rolling their toy cars and trains. The pieces can form an obstacle course when connected together.
Playwilder utilizes the highest grade of Baltic birch plywood in making all its products. This ensures durability and freedom from harmful chemicals. Also, the products are certified to comply with regulations guiding the production of climbing toys for kids.
The Montessori gym is designed for indoor use but if you plan to use it outdoors, the company offers expert advice on the type of sealant that’s suitable for your location. This also applies to areas requiring water sealant.
Specs
- Dimensions: triangle (47 ½” x 29 ⅜” x 34); climbing arch (42 ½” x 21 ¼” x 18 ¾”); cube (20 x 20 x 20); ramps (40 ½” x 13 x 2.5)
- Age range: 6 months to 5 years
- Weight limit: 225 lb
Pricing
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a Pikler triangle set that offers more than the traditional setup, Playwilder is the way to go. It’s easy to assemble and the manufacturers are just a phone call away if you need help. There’s also a resourceful video on the company’s website that helped me assemble the pieces correctly.
3. Baby and Toddler Climbing Set by Wiwiurka – Colorful Pick
Our Take
The Wiwiurka baby and toddler climbing set is suitable for parents who want a variety of colors in their nursery.
| Best For | Colorful Pick |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
Wiwiurka manufactures open-ended climbing toys for kids. The baby and toddler set is a combination of a Pikler triangle, a balance board, and a climbing arch. The company offers you 11 unique colors to choose from, increasing your chances of finding a Pikler triangle set that matches your decor.
Another thing I like about this colorful 3-in-1 piece is that it’s great for small spaces; it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your living room or wherever you choose to assemble it.
Also, each piece offers independent play. Babies can learn to pull themselves up with the Pikler triangle, while toddlers and older children can climb up the ramp or flip it over to form a slide. The climbing arch, on the other hand, can be turned over to become a rocker so that your child can relax and enjoy a story or stand in it to practice balance control.
If the baby and toddler set becomes too small for your kids, you can opt for a larger Pikler triangle and then pair it with other accessories like the rock wall or the reversible ramp. It folds flat and is made of high-quality wood.
Wiwiurka’s baby and toddler climbing triangle set is made from birch plywood and sealed with a non-toxic acrylic finish. Not only does it speak of durability but also safe air for the kids and ease of cleaning.
Specs
- Dimensions: triangle (30″ x 24″); ramp (35.4″ x 11″); rocker (33″ x 17″ x 15″)
- Age range: 9 months to 4 years
- Weight limit: triangle (90 lb); ramp (100 lb); rocker (100 lb)
Pricing
Bottom Line
The Wiwiurka baby and toddler climbing set is suitable for parents who want a variety of colors in their nursery. You’ll find several color palettes, from rainbow hue and natural finish to ocean and forest-inspired pastels.
4. Wood and Heart Montessori Furniture Set of Five – Best Montessori Climber and Pikler Triangle
Our Take
You’re spoilt for choice when you take a look at the Wood and Heart Montessori Furniture store. However, the set of five offers a standard Pikler triangle and all the climbing furniture pieces for a wide age range.
| Best For | Value |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
Wood and Heart Montessori Furniture offers a plethora of climbing triangles, climbing arches, balance boards, chairs, desks, and so on. Its Montessori climber comes in various sets. However, the set of five contains a climbing triangle, a climbing arch, a balance board, and two ramps.
As your child grows, you can adjust the ramps to suit their height, giving them a new type of challenge to try. I found it easier to get my kids to climb over Wood and Heart’s Montessori arches compared to climbing triangles. But over time, they’ll get the hang of it as they develop gross motor skills.
Additionally, the Wood and Heart Montessori Furniture set of five features two round accessories. The one with close slats can be used as a rocker or for learning balance, while the other can serve as a climbing frame. You can set up the pieces in different ways, allowing your child to explore their imagination.
The pieces are made from highly polished birch wood, which makes them strong, flexible, and long-lasting. Also, the paint is water-based, eco-friendly, and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals that could cause allergies in children.
Specs
- Dimensions: triangle (34.3″ x 30.2″ x 31.9″); arch (38.1″ x 20.2″ x 18.5″); balance board (37.4″ x 23.2″ x 16.8″); ramp with slated ladder ( 36.6″ x 12.2″); ramp with rocks (38.8″ x 14.8″)
- Age range: 8 months to 8 years
- Weight limit: 132 lb
Pricing
Bottom Line
You’re spoilt for choice when you take a look at the Wood and Heart Montessori Furniture store. However, the set of five offers a standard Pikler triangle and all the climbing furniture pieces for a wide age range.
5. Piccalio Climber Pikler Triangle Set – Mini Pick
Our Take
The Piccalio Climber Pikler triangle set is ideal for families with younger children who need to exercise their muscles and put all of their energy into good use.
| Best For | Value |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
The Piccalio Climber Pikler triangle is a simple climber that fits into tight spaces. It comes with a slide ramp that can be reversed to act as a rock wall, an accessory that most brands offer at a cost. It’s suitable for imaginative plays, sliding, and fort building.
With this Pikler triangle, your baby can learn not only how to pull themselves up but also independence. My kid was fascinated by the pyramid structure of the Pikler triangle and it kept them occupied while I had some rest for a minute.
Additionally, pre-schoolers, toddlers, and older kids who love climbing and open-ended plays won’t get tired of using the Piccalio Climber Pikler triangle set.
Having undergone a series of safety tests, the Piccalio Pikler triangle exceeds safety standards and is compliant with regulations for manufacturing children’s toys. The material is made of pine wood and solid birch, and its finish is non-toxic.
Specs
- Dimensions: triangle (30.5″ x 27.5″ x 36.5″); reversible rockwall (40″ x 14″)
- Age range: 6 months to 6 years
- Weight limit: 132 lb
- Space between rungs: 3.5″
Pricing
Bottom Line
The Piccalio Climber Pikler triangle set is ideal for families with younger children who need to exercise their muscles and put all of their energy into good use. It’s also great for people with small living areas as the Pikler triangle has a small footprint when kept in a standing position. And it folds flat when you need to store it away.
6. Dripex Wooden Climbing Triangle and Ramp – Most Versatile
The Dripex climbing triangle is a big, wooden multi-shaped frame with ten changing modes for open-ended play. It comes with a ramp that can be reversed to act as a slide.
And if you’re not looking forward to fixing screws, the climbing triangle has tool-free screws that you can loosen or tighten to adjust its shape into a cube. You can also reduce the height for smaller kids or increase it to get a higher climbing triangle for advanced climbers.
Kids love the climbing triangle and ramp because of their versatility. They can make a fort by throwing a blanket over it. Also, they can climb up the rock wall, slide down the ramp, and create an obstacle course using the triangle side.
The Dripex Wooden climbing triangle features smooth edges and a sturdy base for safety. It’s also made of beech wood and completely natural birch wood for sustainability and durability. The color paint is BPA-free, non-toxic, and decor-friendly.
Additionally, the wooden material is waterproof. So, you can clean it with a damp cloth without worrying about damage. And when the climbing triangle isn’t in use, you can fold it and store it in a corner, in the trunk, or under a bed.
Specs
- Dimensions: 47″ x 19.68″ x 3.93″
- Age range: 36 months to 8 years
- Weight: 59 lbs
- Weight limit: 260 lbs
- Number of players: 2 to 4
Pricing
Bottom Line
The Dripex climbing triangle and ramp is a versatile Pikler triangle set that offers so much fun for kids of different ages. Also, it doesn’t take up a lot of space and it folds flat for easy storage.
How to Choose Pikler Triangles
Pikler triangles have multiple configurations, different heights, structures, and accessories, depending on the brand. However, there are some things you should consider when choosing a Pikler triangle.
Size
On average, Pikler triangles measure between 24 to 40 inches high. But it’s ideal to buy one that’s at least 33 inches high so that the kids can form a fort or play under it.
Also, the size of the triangle you choose depends on how much floor space you have. Some pieces are large while others are smaller. However, you can opt for one that folds flat to enable you to store it after playtime.
General Safety
Pikler triangles are considered safe for climbing. But you shouldn’t let your child play on it unsupervised because they may tumble as they climb.
Also, the triangles are connected with nuts and bolts, which may come loose without warning. So, it’s important to buy Pikler triangle from a trusted brand that prioritizes safety.
Additionally, you should ensure that the triangle is made of solid hardwood and have a smooth finish to prevent splinters. It’s also a good idea to check the safety certification of the brand.
More importantly, the Pikler triangle should have a wide sturdy base for balance. And a soft or padded mat should be placed underneath to prevent severe injuries in case your child falls.
Materials
Although Pikler triangles are made of wood, they may have parts that are made of rubber. You should ensure that they won’t pose a choking hazard.
Also, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) should certify that the wood came from responsibly managed forests to ensure the sustainability and durability of the materials. The Pikler triangle should have a Greenguard gold certification showing that it’s been screened for toxic materials.
Another thing you should consider is whether the materials are suitable for outdoor or indoor use or even both. Outdoor Pikler triangles should have water sealant for protection from the elements.
Price
The best Pikler triangles are quite expensive, but they’re a worthy investment because they last for a long time. However, you can find one at a reasonable price, depending on whether it has accessories and the cost of shipping.
Summary
If you’re still wondering whether a Pikler triangle is worth buying, you may want to consider the benefits above the risks. My top pick is the RAD Children’s Furniture Pikler triangle. It folds flat, is made of high-quality materials, and is certified by the Pikler institute, which makes it the safest option on the market.
