8 Best Pikler Triangles for Tots, Tested and Reviewed
In a nutshell:
Based on our in-depth product testing process and expert feedback, we chose the Bunny Hopkins Climbing Triangle Set as the overall best Pikler triangle. This set stood out due to its quality and durability, its learning and skill-building potential for toddlers and its great value for money.
Is your toddler literally climbing the walls? Play structures and climbing toys allow your mini to burn off excess energy while safely satisfying their urge to physically explore the world around them. According to Laura Linn Knight, a parenting educator, author and former elementary school teacher, tots love to climb for a few important reasons: “As a natural instinct, when babies and toddlers climb, they’re improving their gross motor skills. Additionally, climbing allows for a child to mimic the actions they see adults doing.” She adds that climbing also gives kids a sense of independence. Suffice it to say that a Pikler triangle gives your budding adventurer a place to play and safely push their physical boundaries.
One of the most popular options for indoor movement and play is a Pikler triangle. This multi-purpose wooden toy adapts to your child’s developmental stage, meaning babies and tots can play on their own terms. But what is a Pikler triangle exactly—and how will using one benefit your child’s development? Keep reading to get the lowdown on these climbing triangles, as well as a few of our favorite options available now.
The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify 13 top-rated Pikler triangle sets on the market, and chose a shortlist of 10 products to test. From there:
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We enlisted the help of 10 parents and their toddlers who all used these Pikler triangle sets in their homes. As their children played with these climbers, our independent product testers carefully evaluated each for ease of assembly, features, play and entertainment, learning and skill-building elements, quality and durability, style and value for money.
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We interviewed a parenting educator and former elementary school teacher to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when choosing a Pikler triangle set.
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We consulted guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about when you can expect baby to start climbing and cruising.
Because every family’s experience is different, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these Pikler triangle sets performed for parents across the country.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best Pikler triangle set
- Super sturdy, according to our tester
- Straightforward to set up and adjust
- Folds for simple storage
- Highest weight capacity on our list
- May be bulky for small spaces
At the top of our list is the Bunny Hopkins Climbing Triangle Set, which earned a perfect 10 out of 10 score across all testing categories. From the get-go, our product tester McKenna found this Pikler triangle set a piece of cake to put together. Using a Phillips head screwdriver and the clear, concise instructions provided, she was able to set it up in just an hour. And once it was together, McKenna told us, “the triangle features secure locking mechanisms that ensure stability, and after assembly, it felt very sturdy and reliable.” With that in mind, she was happy to let her 18-month-old start playing on it asap.
As a two-piece set, the Bunny Hopkins Climbing Triangle comes with a detachable slide alongside the Pikler triangle. McKenna told us it was easy to connect this element to the main structure for added fun. “[My son] loves climbing, sliding and creating imaginative scenarios using the detachable slide. It keeps him entertained for hours, with endless possibilities for creative play,” she shared. Her 18-month-old loved how many different ways it could be played with, and she loved how it promotes independent play—as well as group play with siblings. “Its versatility and engaging design make it a favorite in our household, and my son is always eager to play with it again,” McKenna praised. What’s more, she shared that this Pikler triangle set has significantly contributed to her child’s learning and skill development. “It has helped him enhance his motor skills, balance and coordination through climbing and sliding activities. The engaging design made learning fun,” she told us.
Another highlight of the Bunny Hopkins Climbing Triangle Set is its impressive quality and durability. According to McKenna the maple wood structure “feels sturdy and secure, even during boisterous play”; in fact, this climbing structure offers the highest weight capacity on our list and can handle up to 350 lbs. Thanks to the triangle’s built-in locking mechanisms, McKenna was also able to adjust its height as needed with no additional tools and fold it up for simple storage (which she was a fan of!). To top it all off, “the style and shape of the Bunny Hopkins Climbing Triangle are appealing and well-designed, fitting nicely into our playroom,” McKenna added. Needless to say, it’s no surprise that this Pikler triangle set earned top marks in all areas!
Dimensions: 33" (L) x 25" (W) x 27" (H) | Age range: 6 months to 6 years | Weight: N/A | Capacity: 350 lbs.
Our product tester says:
The triangle felt well-suited for [my son’s] age and skill level, providing just the right amount of challenge to keep him motivated and engaged. Overall, it’s a fantastic tool for both play and learning.
Best Pikler triangle for younger toddlers
- Short height is great for young toddlers
- Very sturdy, according to our tester
- FSC-certified materials
- Our tester thought the instructions could have been more clear
- May be too short for older tots
- Low weight capacity
It’s no secret that little ones love to climb and cruise as they gain more confidence in their footing, which is why we’re fans of the Lily & River Little Climber for young toddlers. This triangle clocks in at 24.5 inches tall (one of the shortest on our list) which makes it a great pick for smaller kiddos—at least according to our product tester Kimberly’s son. Kimberly told us her one-year-old kiddo “was excited from the very first moment I started assembling it to the moment he was able to start playing with it.” And once he started playing, he told us that it was the perfect height for her one-year-old to climb, slide and play with independently. “The size of the climber and the slide were perfect for my little one,” she said.
This Pikler triangle is available on its own or with a dual-sided rock climbing board and slide. Kimberly tested the structure with both elements, sharing that the climber kept her son busy for quite a while. “My child enjoyed the rock climbing feature and he learned how to leverage the attachments and know exactly what to hold on to in order to climb up the wall,” she said. And with its durable, heavy-duty construction, crafted from FSC-certified birch hardwood and stainless steel, this toddler climber can be counted on to withstand plenty of playtimes to come.
Dimensions: 30" (L) x 33" (W) x 24.5" (H) | Age range: 6 months to 5 years | Weight: 32 lbs. | Capacity: 90 lbs.
Our product tester says:
What really stood out to me was the height and how it was perfect for my one-year-old to feel excited to climb and slide using all the features. I had been looking at purchasing [a Pikler triangle] for my son for several months, and I can say it truly lived up to the excitement and expectations we both had.
Best Pikler triangle for older toddlers
- Wide design is great for older toddlers
- Four adjustable height settings
- Easy to fold and store
- Greenguard- and FSC-certified materials
- Not suitable for young toddlers
- Biggest option on our list
- No add-on elements available
If your tot is nearing preschool years and you’re looking for a Pikler triangle set that will grow with their changing needs, look no further than the Little Partners Learn ‘N Climb Triangle. This top-rated toddler climber offers four adjustable heights, allowing parents to make it more or less steep so your kiddo can keep using it as their climbing abilities develop. Our product tester, Amanda appreciated this, telling us, “I feel like the Pikler triangle is a great climbing structure for a 3-year-old.” She gave the Learn ‘N Climb 10 out of 10 scores for features and for learning skill-building. “I believe the Pikler triangle helps develop a really good skill of climbing. My son has Down syndrome, so he has low muscle tone and the Pikler triangle is a really good tool to help him develop those gross motor skills,” Amanda told us. “He thought it was a lot of fun too, making it not feel like therapy work but just playtime!”
The Learn N’ Climb is the biggest Pikler triangle on our list, and you might be worried that the footprint will dominate your playroom. But Amanda tells us, “It didn't take up too much room,” adding, “if I needed to put it away it folds down easily, and you can put it away. You don't need tools to fold it away, you just unscrew the knob on the bottom and fold it down which is super convenient,” she explained.
All in all, Amanda was a big fan of this toddler climber. “I think it will be used a lot for us as my son needs the practice of climbing and developing those gross motor skills,” she told us. “I feel the quality of the Pikler triangle is very nice and durable so I would feel confident recommending it to other families!”
Dimensions: 48.3" (L) x 33.5" (W) x 29.1" (H) | Age range: 3+ years | Weight: 24.9 lbs. | Capacity: 200 lbs.
Our product tester says:
My 3-year-old really loved playing with it. He immediately began climbing up the moment he saw it. He loved climbing up it and sitting on the top like he was on top of the mountain!
Best Pikler triangle for siblings
- Engaging for young toddlers and kids alike
- No tools needed for assembly
- Easy to move when needed
- Our tester was unable to fold for storage
- Can’t be adjusted
Searching for a Pikler triangle that your kiddos can play on at the same time? Consider this large climbing structure from ShopJoeyCo. It’s one of the biggest options on our list, offering plenty of room for siblings to play together. But most importantly, it was a big hit with our sibling play testers. Alycia, a mom of three, told us, “The kids have not stopped playing with it! They play with it every day, all day; it’s in the center of the playroom,” rating it a 10 out of 10 for play and entertainment value. Whether they’re climbing, balancing, crawling or anything in between, Alycia says her 18-month-old, 2-year-old and 5-year-old have all enjoyed playing on it individually and together.
This Pikler triangle set isn’t all fun and games though, it offers great learning and skill-building potential. Alycia told us the set was especially engaging for her youngest child. “It’s helped my 18-month-old with her fine motor skills, climbing and balancing. She’s learning how to climb and overcome hard obstacles independently and gaining the confidence to do so.” Even better, when all three of her kids are using it, Alycia can count on the highly durable design to be stable. “My boys are very rambunctious and this will definitely be able to withstand them. It will last us until my kids outgrow it for sure. I love the material, the wood was good quality and very sturdy,” she shared.
This Pikler set comes with three pieces, a triangle, an arch and a ramp, that can be used independently or connected to one another. Three different ramp options—a double-sided slide, a reversible ladder and slide combo and a reversible rock wall and slide combo—are available to meet a wide range of preferences. According to Alycia, the three-piece set attached together easily, and she was a fan of the neutral style. Plus, she found it simple to store and move around the house when it wasn’t in use. Overall, Alycia would wholeheartedly recommend this climbing set to other families with multiple kiddos.
Dimensions: 34" (L) x 27" (W) x 31" (H) | Age range: 6+ months | Weight: N/A | Capacity: 120 lbs.
Our product tester says:
My kids have so much fun with the Pikler triangle, going over the triangle across the balance beam to the arch are so great for helping develop those fine motor skills. It is perfect for all of my kids.
Best Pikler triangle set for small spaces
- Super quick assembly
- Space-saving size
- Highly adaptable design
- Doesn’t fold
Multi-piece Pikler triangle sets are never going to be tiny, but they don’t have to completely take over your living space. Case in point: The Avenlur Maple Wood Small Triangle Climbing Set. While it’s long when all three pieces are connected together, it’s just 19.7 inches wide, and only 17.7 inches tall, making it the smallest on our list in those respects. And just because it’s small doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the features you’d find on a larger model; the versatile play structure can be arranged in a wide variety of ways to meet different needs during playtime. “The minute my daughter saw the climbing set she loved it, and immediately played with it,” said our product tester Rhea. “She came up with her favorite configurations (there are tons of varieties), and has been playing on it every single day for at least an hour or more.”
Not only has this Montessori climber encouraged independent play in Rhea’s 2-year-old, but it’s also helped her develop new skills. “Even though it's educational, she’s had a blast on it cause she at least plays with it for an hour every day! Also if the pieces aren't just so, she will definitely let us know to fix it, which is a new skill. She is very particular about her setup with the climbing set, ” Rhea shared. And while her toddler plays on it, she has no worries about the sturdiness or stability. “The durability of the climbing set is flawless and doesn't take up a lot of space,” she told us, adding that she believes it’ll last her family for several years.
Even though this is a three-piece Pikler set, you won’t have to worry about complicated assembly; in fact, Rhea rated it a perfect score in this category. She loved how clear the instructions were and told us it took her only five minutes to put it together, which was a big bonus because her toddler wanted to play with it straight away. “[My daughter] immediately pointed it out and asked me to open the gate to the kitchen to play with it. I immediately set it up in her room and she was giggling and saying ‘weeeee’ the whole time. It was the cutest thing! It definitely lived up to her expectations and still is!” All that’s to say, Rhea would highly recommend this climbing set to other families, especially because of its space-saving design. She’s looking forward to using it in her household for plenty of playtimes to come. “I have another daughter who is 6 months, and I can't wait for her to enjoy it as well!”, Rhea shared.
Dimensions: 59.5" (L) x 19.7" (W) x 17.7" (H) | Age range: 1 to 5 years | Weight: 23.9 lbs. | Capacity: 132 lbs.
Our product tester says:
Yes, I recommend it—especially for small spaces! It enhances your child's motor skills and keeps them entertained for hours.
Best long-lasting Pikler triangle set
- Locking mechanism ensures stability
- Highly durable design
- Easy to move when needed
- Not bulky, according to our tester
- Instructions could have been clearer
- Not suitable for younger toddlers
If you’re after a Pikler triangle set that will withstand endless playtimes to come, this set from Wood And Hearts Store is the best option for your family. Our product tester Veniece was effusive about this Pikler triangle’s durability, telling us not only that her 3-year-old and 7-year-old enjoyed it together, but that she expects to be able to gift it to another family when her youngest outgrows it. Complete with a triangle, arch and dual-sided ramp that can be used as a ladder or a slide, each of these pieces is made from premium-quality birch plywood and finished with water-based paints and eco-friendly varnishes.
Veniece was impressed by this climber’s quality from the beginning, rating it a 10 out of 10 for durability. After assembly, she commented, “it does feel really stable and secure. The triangle has a little gear on each side that locks it.” She appreciated how sturdy it was as her 3-year-old and 7-year-old played on it together, and particularly loves how it’s just the right size for her younger kiddo. “I think my daughter has been enhancing her gross motor skills ever since we got the Pikler triangle. She’s also been working on her balance with the bridge. I feel like it is perfect for her age and skill level. She loves to climb so this was a great way for her to climb safely and have a lot of fun doing it,” Veniece told us.
Of course, if you’re going to keep a set this large around for a while, you’ll want to know it won’t be an eyesore in your living space. Fortunately, this set is available in an array of color schemes to fit different aesthetics, and Veniece loved the natural wood option. “I love the simplicity of the design. It’s simple but stylish in its own way,” she said, giving the set a 10 out of 10 for style. The bottom line: Veniece definitely thinks this Pikler set is worth the price. “Products like this can potentially last for generations and be handed down to other kids. It exceeded our expectations because I really wasn’t sure how it would hold up because my kids can be a little rough with toys at times. I would buy it for myself, especially after seeing how much my daughter loves it,” she told us.
Dimensions: 31.7" (L) x 23.2" (W) x 27.7" (H) | Age range: 2 to 8 years | Weight: N/A | Capacity: 132 lbs.
Our product tester says:
It’s very durable because my son and daughter both play on it at the same time. He’s 7 and she’s 3, so he’s almost double her weight. I think it’ll last for years to come and we’ll be able to pass it on to another family to use.
Best budget-friendly Pikler triangle
- High-quality, smooth finish
- Relatively affordable price point
- Great for multiple ages
- Limited color options
- Add-on elements sold separately
Pikler triangles aren’t always the most affordable toddler toys out there—but this budget-friendly pick is an exception. The climbing structure thoroughly impressed our product tester Jamie, who gave it a perfect score for value for money. “It honestly exceeded my expectations in terms of design and functionality, offering more play and learning opportunities than I anticipated. I would easily buy this as a gift for family and friends just seeing how much my kids have enjoyed the Pikler in such a short amount of time,” she raved. Not bad for a Pikler triangle that rings up for under $100!
With the Goodevas Montessori Triangle Ladder, you won’t miss out on high-quality features even though you’re saving money. For example, this Pikler triangle folds into five different positions, so you can easily adjust the structure to your desired angle. Jamie told us that no tools were needed to make these adjustments and that the locking system on both sides of the design safely reinforced its stability. “Even in its widest stance, the size is perfect, allowing my child to play effortlessly without taking up an overwhelming amount of space in our play area,” she said.
Better yet, Jamie appreciated how much learning and skill-building potential this play triangle offered. She told us it played a major role in her children’s physical and cognitive development by prompting them to navigate different challenges. She added that it “encouraged independent play, boosting my child's confidence and autonomy. It consistently kept their attention for long stretches, providing a rich, engaging play experience for both my almost 2- and 5-year-old, making it a popular choice for collaborative play.” Both of Jamie’s children enjoy the open-ended nature of the Pikler, transforming it into a mountain, a fort and, most often, a pirate ship. Her final takeaway? “Frankly I wish I had brought one home for the kids sooner!”
Dimensions: 41" (L) x 23.6" (H) | Age range: 1 to 7 years | Weight: 20 lbs. | Capacity: N/A
Our product tester says:
The Goodevas Pikler triangle offers excellent value for money, even if it were at a higher price point. Its quality, durability and versatile features easily justify the cost, making it a worthwhile investment. The construction and high-quality materials ensure it will last for years.
Best Pikler triangle for easy storage
- Lightest option on our list
- Automatic locking mechanism
- Certified by the Pikler Organization
- Add-on elements sold separately
On the hunt for a Pikler triangle set that can be put away easily when needed? Then the RAD Pikler Triangle is sure to check all of the boxes on your list—and then some. Our product tester, Kaylie was impressed by how much this climber had to offer from the very beginning. After assembling it with her husband (which took around 35 minutes and the help of a drill), Kaylie said they set it up in their daughter’s play area, where it fit like a glove. And when it’s time to put it away, Kaylie appreciates the automatic locking function, compact fold and ultra-lightweight design. According to Kaylie it was a breeze to store, adding: “We can move it around the house if needed and travel to my parent’s house with it.” And no matter how much this structure is moved, they can count on it to be stable during playtime. “The sturdiness and the locking mechanism of the Pikler Triangle make me feel so comfortable for my daughter to grow and learn playing with this product,” Kaylie shared.
This simple design is the first (and only) climbing triangle in North America to be certified by the Pikler Organization, meaning it meets the exacting standards laid out by the inventor, Emmi Pikler. So it was no surprise that Kaylie appreciated the quality and durability of this set, awarding it a perfect score in the category. “The Pikler Triangle and ramp are so smooth and definitely safe and can withstand boisterous play! I believe that this product will even last us for our next child,” she said, adding: “My husband tested the product before our daughter played on it and it passed our test!” This set is constructed from sustainable 13-ply birch wood that’s not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing. In fact, Kaylie told us that the Pikler triangle perfectly fit in with her home’s aesthetic.
Kaylie and her daughter tested this Pikler set with a ramp attachment, which offered even more opportunities to build on gross motor skills. She said her 11-month-old is learning to climb and figure out her strengths since playing with this set, and while she does still require a bit of help, it doesn’t stop her from having fun. “The ramp adds the perfect touch to the skill-building aspect of the Pikler Triangle. […] I love that when you flip it to the other side it’s a slide and it helps with her coordination and balance,” Kaylie explained. All in all, Kaylie can’t praise this Pikler triangle highly enough. “I can’t wait to continue to use it for many years! I highly recommend it to other parents looking for a fun, creative and educational product for their littles. My daughter has already learned so many new skills and tricks using it,” she raved.
Dimensions: 28" (L) x 35" (W) x 29" (H) | Age range: 6 months to 5 years | Weight: 13 lbs. | Capacity: 100 lbs. (per child)
Our product tester says:
The products together fit perfectly in my daughter’s play area. So it was not too big or too small, it fits perfectly. The automatic lock function and how compact it folds make it super easy to store away!
Pikler Triangle Comparison Chart
Overall best Pikler triangle set | Best Pikler triangle for younger toddlers | Best Pikler triangle for older toddlers | Best Pikler triangle for siblings | Best Pikler triangle set for small spaces | Best long-lasting Pikler triangle set | Best budget-friendly Pikler triangle | Best Pikler triangle for easy storage | ||
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Overall Best Bunny Hopkins Climbing Triangle Set (with Rock Wall) | Lily & River Little Climber | Little Partners Learn ‘N Climb Triangle | ShopJoeyCo Montessori Climbing Triangle | Avenlur Maple Wood Small Triangle Climbing Set with Ladder | Wood And Hearts Store Triangle for Kids Toddlers Rock with Ramp | Goodevas Montessori Triangle Ladder | RAD Pikler Triangle | ||
Price | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $ | $$$ | |
Dimensions | 33" (L) x 25" (W) x 27" (H) | 30" (L) x 33" (W) x 24.5" (H) | 48.3" (L) x 33.5" (W) x 29.1" (H) | 34" (L) x 27" (W) x 31" (H) | 59.5" (L) x 19.7" (W) x 17.7" (H) | 31.7" (L) x 23.2" (W) x 27.7" (H) | 41" (L) x 23.6" (H) | 28" (L) x 35" (W) x 29" (H) | |
Age rating | 6 months to 6 years | 6 months to 5 years | 3+ years | 6+ months | 1 to 5 years | 2 to 8 years | 1 to 7 years | 6 months to 5 years | |
Weight capacity | 350 lbs. | 90 lbs. | 200 lbs. | 120 lbs. | 132 lbs. | 132 lbs. | N/A | 100 lbs. (per child) | |
Foldable | |||||||||
Number of pieces | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
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A Pikler triangle is a climbing structure developed by Emmi Pikler, a Hungarian pediatrician who believed that movement and play are the heart of a child’s development. Pikler popularized these toys as part of a child-centered, hands-on approach to education. Typically made from wood and other materials, a Pikler triangle has a wide, sturdy base so kids can climb without fear of it tipping over. Pikler triangles are suitable for children ages 6 months up to 5+ years—and the basic structure can be used in a number of ways. For example, a baby can use the rungs to practice pulling themselves up and standing, while an older child can explore, climb and play. To that end, many brands offer accessories like ramps, tunnels and rockers to keep the good times going as a child grows and their skill set becomes more advanced.
Everyone develops at their own pace, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that most kids become significantly more mobile by the time they’re about 8 months old—so don’t be surprised if your child attempts to scale the furniture at a very young age.
Beyond climbing, Pikler triangles offer a multitude of uses that encourage gross motor skill development and foster critical thinking. Some of the top benefits of a Pikler triangle include:
- It satisfies a child’s natural impulse to climb and explore.
- It helps children meet key milestones, like standing upright and cruising.
- Open-ended play encourages creativity.
- It increases spatial awareness, problem-solving and balance skills.
- Linn Knight explains that active play develops gross motor skills, which are an important prerequisite for learning control and coordination of the body.
Here are a few of the main considerations to take into account when shopping for a Pikler triangle.
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Size: Pikler triangles range in size from approximately 20 to 30 inches in height. Linn Knight recommends that you choose a climbing triangle that’s an appropriate distance from the ground (in other words, it shouldn’t be too high). If you have limited space, opt for a Pikler triangle that can be folded away for easy storage.
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Price: Pikler triangles can be expensive, but the best options will stand the test of time. Before you buy, set a budget and research the different options available.
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Safety: Safety is a key concern when purchasing a Pikler triangle. Look for a sturdy climbing frame with a wide stable base. Linn Knight also recommends placing the Pikler triangle on a soft surface like a floor mat. Tumbles are inevitable, so it’s important to supervise your child at all times while they climb.
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Materials. Play furniture is no different from regular furniture in that it’s important to consider the materials used. If you prefer eco-friendly designs, look for triangle climbing frames made from FSC-certified wood, meaning it came from responsibly managed forests. It’s also a good idea to look for options that are Greenguard Gold-certified, as this means that the product was thoroughly screened for toxic chemicals and pollutants.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Emma has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. As a digital media professional, she’s written dozens of articles on baby gear, aiming to create engaging, helpful content that informs new and seasoned parents.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Laura Linn Knight is a parenting educator, mindfulness and meditation leader, former elementary school teacher and the author of Break Free from Reactive Parenting.
American Academy of Pediatrics, Movement: Babies 8 to 12 Months, April 2021
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