The amazing rate of growth and development in the first year can be so shocking to our adult concepts of time that we find ourselves trying to keep up with our babies’ changing skills daily. We have a tiny newborn one moment and a crawling, climbing, mobile infant the next. It can be challenging adjusting our expectations and environment to match our infant’s skills and interests. Climbing takes us by surprise when it comes before our babies can even stand. Just after crawling, infants start to climb and they don’t stop until middle childhood. That’s because climbing is the perfect activity to very thoroughly and efficiently foster physical and cognitive development. Caregivers support this critical movement by allowing free-range movement and making age-appropriate climbing equipment accessible for infants aged 8 to 11 months.
1. Motor Skill Development:
- Climbing aids in the development of fine and gross motor skills, enhancing coordination and balance.
- Exploring different surfaces and textures during climbing activities stimulates sensory experiences crucial for neural development.
2. Cognitive Benefits:
- Climbing engages an infant’s problem-solving abilities, as they navigate obstacles and spatial challenges.
- The process of decision-making involved in climbing contributes to cognitive growth.
3. Building Confidence and Independence:
- Allowing infants to explore climbing activities builds self-confidence and a sense of independence.
- Overcoming small challenges during climbing fosters resilience from an early age.
4. Strengthening Muscles and Bones:
- Climbing supports the development of muscle strength, particularly in the core and limbs.
- Weight-bearing activities during climbing contribute to bone density.
Creating a Safe Space for Climbing
Climbing equipment and areas should be accessible to the infant without adult assistance. A baby shouldn’t be lifted or placed onto a climber.
Climbing surfaces should be stable and not move or shift when in use. They should be placed on a carpeted or lightly padded surface and should not exceed 21 inches in height.
Caregivers should closely supervise climbing without commenting or coaching. If a child indicates that they want assistance, lift them from the climber and place them on the floor so they continue their work. Don’t help them climb.
Pikler Climber
The Pikler climber was developed by Dr. Emmi Pikler over 100 years ago. Her work in Hungarian orphanages revolutionized the care of infants and toddlers. Her emphasis on free movement, play and the natural development of infants and toddlers created a respectful and nurturing childhood even in institutionalized group care. She designed the Pikler Triangle to be a first climber for crawling infants that could continue to be challenging and interesting well into toddlerhood. The unique design is simple yet challenging. It makes a beautiful and safe addition to an infants play space while supporting development. By encouraging free-range movement and making suitable climbing equipment accessible, caregivers contribute significantly to the holistic growth of infants. Embracing these activities not only enhances physical abilities but also lays the foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.
