Exploring the Benefits of the Pikler Triangle from Growgo
- Ryan Belcher
- Aug 1, 2024
- 3 min read
If you follow the trends in Montessori play, undoubtedly you have come across the Pikler Triangle.
You may find yourself asking what is a Pikler Triangle? What benefits does it have? Is it worth it?
Well, lucky for you, we bought one for a little guy and love it. This article will discuss what the Pikler Triangle is generally and then will review the Pikler Triangle we bought from Growgo.
Note: This is not a sponsored post. My goal in this article is to share the benefits we have received from using the Growgo Pikler Triangle.
The Pikler Triangle
A Brief History of the Pikler Triangle
Whilst, often associated with the Montessori philosophy, the Pikler Triangle was developed by Hungarian pediatrician Dr. Emmi Pikler in the early 20th century. It was later brought to the United States by one of Dr. Pikler's students, Magda Gerber (Gerber is a co-founder of Resources for Infant Educarers).
The key concept of the Pikler Triangle is freedom of movement. "Freedom of movement" here is not simply allowing a child to move, but instead allowing them to decide how and when to move.
The basis of this concept of "freedom of movement" is actually quite fascinating. Dr. Pikler observed that children of lower class families suffered from fewer broken bones than children of upper class families. The upper class families tended to keep their children indoors and carefully supervised, while lower class families allowed their children to foam freely. Pikler found that the children who roamed freely were more alert, more physically capable, and able to fall without getting hurt. The children kept indoors were found to have less understanding of their physical capabilities and limits.
Why Use a Pikler Triangle?
The Pikler Triangle is beneficial because it helps children develop their gross motor skills, coordination, and strength.
Climbing-- Climbing up and down the triangle engages multiple muscle groups, improves coordination, and helps children develop problem-solving skills.
Planning movements-- Each action, like climbing, standing at the top, or descending, requires thoughtful motor planning.
Balance-- The triangle structure encourages children to balance.
Grasping-- Children can use the triangle to grasp.
The Growgo Pikler Triangle
Benefits
Encourages confidence and creativity
Builds muscle strength, balance, and agility
Improves posture
Develops fine and gross motor skills
Folded Pikler Size
Length: 36.2 in
Width: 27.6 in
Bottom Height: 5.5 in
Top Height: 7.4 in
Rocker/Ramp Size
Length: 39.4 in
Width: 13.8 in
Height: 5.32 in
Product Includes
Foldable Pikler triangle
Double-sided ramp
Rocker and slider features
Pinball game feature + 3 wooden balls
Tent
Packaged as DIY Craft Game (turns into Puppet Theatre)
Materials
Non-toxic water based paint
Pikler structure and ramp made from birth plywood
Pikler dowels made from pine wood
Benefits by age
The Pikler Triangle is recommended for children from ages 6 months to 6 years. This is one of the reasons why the Pikler Triangle is such a great toy. It grows with you child and has benefits for your child for years. Below is a breakdown of benefits for each age group.
Babies (6-12 months)
As a mobile from helps...
Focus
Hold their head up
Reach with hands
Grip
Young Toddlers (12-18 months)
Used to hold on to, helps...
Stand up
Cruise
Learn to walk
Balance and coordinate
Older Toddlers (18-24 months)
With the ramp...
Builds muscle strength
Develops gross motor skills
Grows confidence
Allows them to climb, slide, and rock
Small Kids (24+ months)
With the tent and pinball...
Develops fine motor skills
Promotes creative thinking
Supports further physical and cognitive development
Our Experience
If you are on of our regular readers, you know our story. If not, our little one was born about 8 weeks early. Due to this, he has had slight developmental delays and we have had more than slight anxiety about his development.
As of this writing, our little guy is just beginning to learn to stand. Our Pikler Triangle has been of great help teaching him to pull up, balance, and begin cruising.
We love how his Pikler Triangle is encouraging his physical growth and giving him the confidence he needs to continue his development.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Very well built and high quality
Easy to assemble
Grows with your little one for many years
Folds up for easy storage
Cons
Depending on your budget, could be a bit pricey
Conclusion
If you are looking for something that will greatly benefit your child's development and help them gain confidence in their movements, the Pikler Triangle is a great option. It will last you for years and grow with your child as they grow.
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