There are so many climbing toys for toddlers these days that it’s easy to get confused about what is what and which one is going to suit your child best.
The good news is that your child will probably be happy with anything you get them, but it’s you should know the core differences before spending money on a toy that big. Let’s take a look at some key differences between these climbing toys.
Pikler Triangle vs Arch vs Rocker
| Pikler triangle / climbing triangle – simple “ladder-like” triangular structure |  |
| Climbing arch / Pikler arch – same as pikler triangle but arched |  |
| Wooden rocker / wooden arch – wider slats, structure can rock |  |
I wrote a separate post on everything you need to know about pikler triangles, so let’s dive deeper into arches and rockers.
Climbing arches have round ladder rungs, just like the triangle. They cannot really be used for rocking, as they’re optimized for climbing. Rocking arches aka wooden rockers have flat broad cross-boards. They can be used for climbing, but they’re made for rocking.
Where to Buy the Best Rockers?
Here is my list of the best rainbow rockers and climbing arches for toddlers.
If you haven’t got a pikler triangle yet and thinking of getting a full set, I highly recommend Wood and Hearts. It’s extremely affordable for all three items (pikler triangle, arch, ramp) and good quality. The only downside is that the pikler is on the small side.
If you’re looking for a bigger set, go with Wiwiurka.
Climbing Arches:
- Wood and Hearts set: Best price and quality together
- Simre Home Living: Simple small climbing arch (you can purchase extra cushioning for it)
- PlayWilder: Made in the USA arches, piklers and rockers. Their arch is very solid.
Wooden rainbow rockers:
- 1. Wiwiurka: XXL Rocker Board
- 2. Whoomas Woodshop: Solid XXL Natural Wooden Rocker
If something you looked at isn’t listed here, feel free to ask me about it in the comments. I specifically haven’t recommended some companies as I don’t think the quality is worth the price tag or I think there are better options out there, but they’re always might be new ones I haven’t had a chance to look at yet.
P.S. There are many on the market, but pay attention to the spacing between slats – if they’re too spaced out (and many new Etsy sellers make it that way) it’s not very safe for the little hands and feet as they might get stuck and hands crushed while rocking!
Which Is Better: Pikler Triangle or Wooden Rocker?
Pikler Triangle
Pros:
- saves space because it can be folded
- taller so babies can pull up and stand up-right easily
Cons:
- more expensive to build
Wooden Rocker Pros:
Pros:
- sturdy, so perfect for multiple kids at once
- can be used for lounging with a cover/blanket
Cons:
- heavy & giant to store – not foldable
I don’t think one is better than another per se – it all depends on your child and you, as a parent, know him or her best. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is your child a climber?
If yes, they’ll love a pikler triangle. Rockers are fantastic for imagination as it can be used as a shop, to hide and so on.
- Do you have space for something as big as a rocker?
Triangles can be folded when not in use, but the rocker cannot be and will take a significant portion of your living room or even a storage room.
- How old is your little one or maybe you have various children?
Many parents claim rocker is better for older kids and they get longer usage from it. I say it depends on your child. My own kiddo couldn’t care less for a rocker, but he enjoyed and still enjoys his pikler. My friend’s kid was the opposite, so if you have an opportunity to test it at a friend’s house I’d say do it.
I’m considering a pikler/rocker combo for my girls for Christmas this year. they’re going to be 3 in January and I keep wondering if they’ll really use it? They do love to climb and we try to maintain a no-electronics household so I THINK it will be fine, but I’ve see some people say their kids don’t use it? Are they too old? I’m fairly certain I’m overthinking this, but we really try to keep the toys under control, and I want something open-ended and good for their development that they’ll actually use for a long time. Last year, their big present was an easel, and cars and trucks. Both have been great and played with consistently.
Yeah depending on the kid they might not use it for too long. My own kid now is into higher things to climb and he’s only 1,5. He uses his pikler very rarely now, once every 2 weeks, because he knows there are higher things at the playground he just lost interest LOL. However, some kids use it for a while, so it’s hard to get a definite yes or no answer.
Curious what a good spacing between slats or rungs would be? Thank you!
Hello, just found your review on Pickler trianlges, super helpful. I want to get one for my 1 year old granddaughter’s first birthday. She has siblings that are 3 yrs and almost 6 yrs. I know all will play on it, at least at first. I am having a hard time deciding one which to chose though. Most seem to be in the 30″ tall range, which I know you say is too short. Wiwiurka’s medium is 34″ tall when open and their large is 37″ when open. Which would you recommend? Is 37″ too hight to start for a one year old (they say age range 2-7 for lg) Also, all of theirs are more narrow than others. It seems 30-36″ width is more common. Thers is only 24.5″ will that be stable at 37″ tall? Would you go for Wiwiurka? if so which size? or another manufacturer? Thank you!
Wiwiurka is definitely the sturdiest and best in my opinion. Honestly, I don’t think a tall pikler is too tall for a one year old because kids know their limits and if they don’t they’ll be daredevils on a small pikler either way. My first child was (still is) a daredevil and he was so not interested in anything small even since he was a baby. Now he’s almost 3 and we still have the 37″ pikler triangle and he climbs to the top while his younger brother (now 13 months but was using pikler since he was 8 months old) doesn’t because he doesn’t feel the need to go super high. So in this case we killed two birds with one stone because they both play with it.
there is no doubt how you researched hard to get these points, really appreciate the efforts you have put in!
Would you recommend the Goodevas brand?
Yes 🙂
Hello.. would you recommend Cassarokids?
No, I don’t recommend Cassarokids. Their products are cheaply made and often the paint peels after a short period of time. Most importantly, their small rockers don’t even have all the slat parts screwed in, so they’re basically being squished by the side parts of the wood. Every slat should be screwed in to make it safe and durable.
Hi, thank you so much for this, super helpful! Wonder if you would recommend the KateHaa rocker and ramp?
Yes I would!
Hi, do you have any recommendations for cushions? I have the Wiwiurka XXL rocker.
I don’t unfortunately.
Your analysis of the Pikler triangle in relation to the arch and the rocker was brilliant. As a parent, I recognize the importance of making well-informed toy purchases that foster my child’s growth and development. With the information provided in your post, I feel much more prepared to make a well-informed decision. Including one’s own anecdotes and suggestions for improvement is a nice touch. I appreciate you being so open with your insights.
So i have a 7 months old. Im considering getting the triangle and ramp for sure but im torn between the arch and rocker. Im planning to buy at wood and hearts. Im also debating if i should but in 3 sets now or wait later for the arch/rocker? Its just that the shipping cost is expensive.
Do you recommend Lily and River?
Their pikler triangles used to be mini, but now they’re offering XL ones so yes. The quality is there 🙂