If you’ve spent any time planning your playroom or nursery on Pinterest, chances are you’ve seen a Pikler triangle, those wooden climbing frames made for little hands. The Montessori-inspired toy is a motor development aid that assists toddlers and babies with balance, coordination, and strength. Developed originally by Hungarian physician Dr. Emmi Pikler, the Pikler triangle helps promote independent play for children in their earliest stages of cruising, climbing, and walking.
While it appears like a fairly simple piece, with an A-frame fitted with rungs and a board that doubles as a slide on one side and a climbing ramp on the other, the quality of the materials and the methods of production vary widely from company to company. So we’ve done some digging and rounded up the most sustainable, nontoxic options on the market, free from harmful finishes or dyes, and made from sustainably sourced wood. Conscientious parents can feel good about these eco-friendly products to help nurture their child’s movement in the healthiest, most sustainable way possible.
We also love these wooden toys for plastic-free and engaging play!
1. Piccalio
Materials | FSC® birch plywood and New Zealand pine wood
Price | $349
Piccalio’s Climber Pikler Triangle Set is a foldable, portable, sustainably sourced wooden piece that’s designed for ages 6 months to 6 years, or up to 132 lbs of weight. Lead-free and phthalate-safe with a nontoxic finish, the reversible ramp is fitted on one side with a rock wall and can be used as a balance beam or slide on the other. Great for climbing, fort-building, and anything else kids can imagine!
2. Play Wilder Toys
Materials | NAF-certified Baltic birch, poplar, steel
Price | $99+
Play Wilder Toys helps families acclimate to the climbing life by building your child’s Montessori-inspired play with their Starter Triangle. As your child grows, add the Arch, Cube, Rock and Ladder Ramp, and UltraRockRamp until you complete your Opal’s Climbing Gym Set for a versatile gross-motor developmental play experience. We especially love that you can choose from a smaller or larger starter triangle, depending on your child’s age and size.
3. Rad Children’s Furniture
Materials | 13-ply Sustainable Formaldehyde-free Euro Birch, Zero VOC UV cured finish
Price | $285+
Rad Children’s Furniture’s Climbing Triangles come in three sizes: small, Pikler, and jumbo, at 21″, 29″, and 41″ heights respectively. These American-made, nontoxic triangles come with a certification from the Pikler Organization and carbon neutral shipping. Short or long ramp options are available as add-ons according to your space and needs.
4. Baby Street Fun
Materials | Plywood, nontoxic paint
Price | $226+
If you’re looking for a more versatile option, Baby Street Fun’s Transformable Climbing Triangle might be the one for you. Instead of a simple foldable triangle, this four-piece climber model can be transformed into a number of shapes, including a house, a cube, and more. There are also color options with nontoxic paints if the natural wood vibe is not your cup of tea!
5. Wiwiurka
Materials | FSC European Birch Plywood, nontoxic paints
Price | $345+
Wiwiurka makes Pikler Folding Triangles in small, medium, and large sizes from FSC-certified birch plywood. But what we really love is the wide range of colorways available, all in nontoxic paint, so that your new climbing toy can fit perfectly into your child’s room. Nurture your child’s confidence, independence, and gross motor development with this eco-friendly and adorable classic Pikler triangle.
Featured image is from Piccalio
