Introducing The Pikler Triangle
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I get so many questions about our Pikler Triangle so I thought it was time to do a whole post on it.
Before I begin, what is the Pikler Triangle? The Pikler Triangle is not actually Montessori but you will find it in a lot of Montessori homes because it is well aligned with the Montessori philosophy. It provides opportunities to take age-appropriate risks and develop gross motor skills. It was designed by Dr. Emmi Pikler, a Hungarian pediatrician who studied children’s natural gross motor development. She was a teacher of Magda Gerber who would go on to form the RIE philosophy.
The Pikler Triangle is one of my favorite purchases in our home. We got it when Yitzchak was 6 months old. I went back and forth for a long time deciding which one to get and eventually settled on the RAD Children’s Jumbo Pikler (code HOMEAWAY) for 10% off. Even though it was recommended for older ages while the others were recommended for 6 months plus, it felt like the right choice because he would be able to use it longer. This is all about your personal risk assessment. Some other great Pikler options are Lily and River and Sprout.
The Pikler Triangle folds up which is fantastic for us in a smaller space. Especially since Yitzchak has a floor bed and thus can explore his room on his own it needs to be folded when we are not closely watching him.
As I mentioned we got the Pikler when he was 6 months old. He didn’t start interacting with it at all (other than us using it as a mobile holder) until the day he turned 7 months. That day he first pulled up on it. A couple of weeks later he was already climbing to the top (so I was pretty grateful I got the jumbo size)! He wasn’t able to climb down though for a couple more months after that.
A few notes on how I approach the Pikler:
I stay close and spot him but am careful not to hover. I am always watching him, but I try to remain calm avoiding saying things like “be careful” or gasping. Instead, I say silent and watch.
He has never fallen off the Pikler but he has slipped a bit a few times. If he is slipping I help break the fall but do not completely rescue him. I do not want him to get truly hurt but I do want him to experience the sensation of falling. This is part of risky play which the Pikler is a perfect example of for infants.
He did discover it on his own and we really just had it available. However, we did have a little hand kite tied to the top which I think may have encouraged him to try to get it.
When he would get to the top for the first couple of months he was unable to get back down on his own. I would not rush in to help him down. Instead, I would let him struggle for a moment and let him try to figure it out. If he got truly upset I would step in and help him down. I would ask, “would you like help?” and wait for him to put his arms out for me.
As I said, I really love the Pikler. It is not a must, but for us, especially since he loves to climb and we don’t have stairs it has been a wonderful addition to our space. I love that there is always somewhere to redirect climbing occurring in a less appropriate place.
We also have a climbing arch from Lily and River which we love as well. I found that it was easier for him to get down from earlier. It is significantly smaller so I don’t feel the need to be as vigilant about spotting (though of course, I am always around). It does not fold up like the Pikler Triangle, but it doubles as a rocker which we have so much fun on.
If you have any Pikler Triangle questions let me know!
