Play is an essential part of being a child, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate! Even when toddlers are stuck inside, they have the energy and desire to play until they drop. Parents wish for a park inside! Creating a safe indoor toddler climbing space with a Montessori climbing ladder is the perfect way to help your toddler burn energy in a safe, engaging manner — even when it rains!
Choosing the Right Location for Your Indoor Climbing Space
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is an essential role in a child’s development. While parents understand that, it can be hard to manage when cooped up at home. Indoor climbing areas can boost toddler physical development, but where should you let your little one climb indoors? Check out these suggestions for picking the perfect spot.
- Ceiling Height
Toddler heads are prime for bumping, and that’s the last thing any parent wants. Ensure you have a good ceiling height so when your toddler climbs, he doesn’t hit his head on the ceiling.
- Free Space
You will need a good amount of space around the climbing area. It needs to be free of doors that could swing open, furniture, light fixtures, and anything else that could cause harm.
- Wall Support
If you’re going to place a climbing structure, you need a wall that can safely support its weight and the weight of any climber.
- Padding
Consider padding mats around the climbing area to absorb falls and protect kids from any accidents when they let go of the climber and drop. Safe play for toddlers is the goal, after all.
- Access
Kids love to play, but it needs to be easy or they won’t use it as often.
Essential Safety Features for Toddler Climbing Areas
You aren’t going to want to install any climbing areas in your home if you can’t ensure safe play for toddlers. No play is going to be 100% safe, but there are things you can do to make your climbing area as safe as possible.
First, use soft landing surfaces around the climbing area. Things like rubber mats, soft cushions and other items that provide a gentle area to land when toddlers jump or fall are a good idea.
Second, ensure sturdy construction. Anything your toddler climbs on should be sturdy so it doesn’t crumble under their weight. It also needs to be properly anchored so it doesn’t fall over.
Third, watch the corners. Toddlers will find any sharp edges, most likely with their heads. Minimize those risks with rounded corners and edges on any climbing items.
Selecting Climbing Equipment That Grows with Your Child
It’s sad, but true. Your child is going to keep growing, no matter what you do. You may not want to invest in climbing items that are only going to be good for a couple of years.
Rather than assembling a toddler climbing space that’ll only stick around until they hit kindergarten, think about opting for something adaptable that can evolve alongside them. It’s a smarter choice and will hold up over time, offering them extra years of fun and growth.
Adding Engagement: Fun Elements to Enhance the Experience
Climbing is always fun for a toddler, but there are things you can add to the experience to further a toddler's physical development.
- Bright Colors
Toddlers’ brains are developing, and they are attracted to bright colors. Not only will that help the climbing area to stand out, but you can work on color knowledge with them as they play.
- Attractions at the Top
Once they reach the top of the climbing ladder, what’s there? Perhaps put in binoculars so they can pretend it’s a ship or some other item for play they can enjoy when they reach the pinnacle.
- Bell/Noisemakers
Kids love to make noise. Placing something that makes animal noises, a bell, or another item on the climbing area will only draw their attention further.
Tips for Maintaining and Updating Your Indoor Climbing Space
The New York Times states that children’s play is often too simple and boring. Not with an indoor toddler climbing space! But safe play for toddlers is important, too, and that means maintenance. Regularly tighten any nuts and bolts on your indoor climbing space and ensure that mats and soft landing places haven’t shifted away from the area.
As your child grows, you may want to extend the area, heighten how far he can climb, and modify in other ways.
Wrapping It Up
Your toddler will never be bored with a safe, engaging indoor climbing space in your home. Their development and endless entertainment on a rainy day is something Little Partners® can help you achieve. What are your goals for indoor play?
