Parents of active babies and toddlers! You know the struggle of constantly finding new things to keep your little ones entertained. It seems like they never run out of energy and are always teetering on the line between having fun and being safe. As a teacher out for the summer, I’ve been on a constant search for things to keep my baby engaged and active, especially on rainy days. More specifically, I wanted something for my 10-month-old to learn how to pull up and help him stand. I recently purchased the Lil’ Climber Gym by Delta Children, an indoor climbing structure made to encourage active play while supporting developmental milestones.
I’ll share with you things I have learned about this climbing gym and everything you need to know about it – including safety, durability, and comparisons. Whether you are shopping for your child, a gift, or running a daycare, this will help you decide if the Lil’ Climber is worth your time.
Overview of the Lil’ Climber Gym
The Lil’ Climber Gym is an indoor toddler play structure from Delta Children, a brand known for making affordable, parent-approved furniture and gear. The thing I loved most about this gym is that it is versatile for many ages – from children aged one to around five years old. These indoor gyms are great for bringing the fun and excitement of playgrounds indoors, perfect for rainy days or extreme temperatures.
Climbing gyms are great for supporting gross motor skill development and imaginative play in young kids. It is known in the Montessori play world since it is very open-ended and allows kids to explore in their own way. The multi-piece aspect of this climbing gym makes it perfect for children who get bored easily. Kids can learn to pull up, be little rock climbers, or slide down, all while building confidence in their own skills. Its clean, minimalistic design fits easily in living rooms, play rooms, or any small space.
Best for:
- Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1-5, but can start sooner)
- Parents looking for indoor toy options
- Homes with limited space
- Families who enjoy Montessori-inspired play
- Daycares or preschools with indoor play areas
Key Features
Here is a breakdown of the Lil’ Climber, with pictures to follow:
Structure:
The climbing gym has three main components – a reversible climbing arch, a Pikler triangle, and a reversible rock wall/slide ramp. This allows for multiple arrangements for play based on your available space and individual kid needs.
The climbing arch can be reversed into a rocking chair, which some older kids might enjoy.
A Pikler triangle is a staple, especially in Montessori play. I was most excited about this part, since my baby is the perfect age to begin exploring and pulling up. This piece is great for babies anywhere from six months to one year.
The rock wall is the cutest addition to the play gym. It can be adjusted to be as steep or as flat as you like. I didn’t think I would be using this piece yet, but I have flipped it over to make a little slide for my baby! I have let him slide down it, and I cannot wait for him to learn how to do it on his own.
Materials:
This climbing gym is made of solid pine wood with a non-toxic finish. The pieces feel super smooth and all have round, sanded edges, perfect for children at play. I have noticed with these smooth edges that the gym would work best on top of a mat or rug, or against a wall for extra support. I had it on vinyl flooring and had to move it to the corner of the room so that when my baby pulled up on it, it would not slide across the floor.
Weight limit:
It holds up to 100 pounds, which would support multiple toddlers on it at once. This would be great for a daycare since a few kids could be on it all doing different things! It is definitely very durable once it is assembled.
Assembly
The Lil’ Climber Gym is very light, so it’s easy to move around once it is put together. When I opened the box, all I saw was a ton of wooden, colored sticks that would be the ladder prongs. I knew these were all going to have to be screwed in individually. They give you a little Allen tool to do this with, which would be extremely time-consuming. I got my husband to get his drill so we could assemble it faster, but you could do it with the tool they gave you if you have the patience for it. The directions were very straightforward, and the holes are already pre-drilled. It was helpful to assemble it with someone else because I laid out the wooden sticks in the correct order while my husband screwed them in. Everything is clearly labeled, but it does take time to find the small numbers on the sticks to see which color goes next. After everything is screwed in, that’s all there is to it! It took both of us probably 30 minutes, start to finish (with power tools).
Safety and Durability
One of the most important considerations for any children’s product is safety. Delta Children has a reputation for their safety standards, which is why I opted for this climbing gym as opposed to other off-brand options. The Lil’ Climber Gym is made with non-toxic, lead-free paint. It has rounded corners and edges, perfect for little fingers and those unavoidable falls. I was concerned about the wood having some splinters of some sort, but this product has none. It is very sturdy and has a wide base to prevent tipping over. For added safety, I would add some type of rug or mat under it. Since it is made from pine wood, I have no doubt it will hold up for years to come, as opposed to some plastic alternatives.
Developmental Benefits
In case you are new to Climbing Gyms, here are some benefits they offer to support your child’s physical and cognitive development!
- Motor Skills – Climbing helps children strengthen core muscles and coordination. This, in turn, enhances their balance, grip strength, and spatial awareness.
- Sensory & Cognitive Development – When children explore the climbing structure, they are building problem-solving skills and confidence.
- Active play – The gym encourages movement for kids, perfect for kids to learn how to play away from screens, which is such a struggle in this day and age. It also teaches them independent play as they dive into their imagination.
- Emotional Development – As kids climb around, they are constantly learning to assess their environment and risks in a safe place. They get a sense of accomplishment as they climb to the top!
Comparisons with Similar Products
How does the Lil’ Climber compare to other climbing toys? Let’s look at a few popular alternatives that I saw when shopping:
- Avenlur Pikler Triangle set: This Pikler Triangle is often a go-to for Montessori homes or schools. This specific product retails at $250, in comparison to Delta Children’s at only $99. The Lil’ Climber is also slightly smaller, making it more compact for indoor spaces. If you want a budget-friendly alternative to the Avenlur Pikler with similar safety features, the Lil’ Climber is a better option in my opinion.
- BeRight Pikler Triangle Gym on Amazon: This was a tempting option for me because I love Amazon, and it was only $69. However, the reviews steered me away. This set is very small in comparison to the Lil’ Climber. A lot of people talked about it having pieces not lining up correctly, and the low quality of materials. This is partially expected in a product at such a low price, which is why I opted for the Delta Children brand.
Quick Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to move
- Pastel wood colors perfect for playrooms
- Encourages gross motor and cognitive development
- Safe, non-toxic materials that are sturdy
- Affordable compared to other Pikler triangles
Cons:
- Might be too small for taller or older kids
- Lengthy assembly if you do not have power tools
- Slides across some types of floors, may need padding or a rug underneath
Where to Buy
The Lil’ Climber Gym is available on:
Delta Children’s Website, Amazon, or Walmart.
Price ranges from $80-$120, depending on different sales. I got mine directly from Delta Children for $99.
Personal Experience
My 10-month-old has absolutely loved this new addition to his playroom. I was actually shocked at how quickly he learned how to pull up on it! He doesn’t have the confidence to start climbing yet, but I’m sure that will come soon. He likes to hide under the Pikler triangle and play peek-a-boo. We also recently introduced him to the slide, but he isn’t too sure about it yet. I was worried about its stability since I have a 95th percentile baby, but I placed it against a wall so that it wouldn’t slide around. I can definitely put him on it without worrying about it breaking, though, because the materials are nice and sturdy. My favorite thing about it is the pastel colors. I try not to be strictly a beige mom, so the pastels are a nice color for the playroom that aren’t too bright, but also aren’t just white or brown.
Final Verdict
The Lil’ Climber Gym by Delta Children has been a great addition to our playroom. It is very functional for my child and also aesthetically pleasing, not to mention the developmental value it brings. It’s an excellent choice for toddlers and preschoolers, especially in any home that prioritizes intentional play spaces and Montessori-inspired activities. While it may not have all the features of more expensive climbing gyms, it is a great product in price, safety, and design. If you’re looking for a compact, engaging indoor gym that supports your child’s physical growth and curiosity, the Lil’ Climber is top of my list!
