If you’re a toddler mom, chances are you’ve asked this question a million times: Why does my toddler climb everything? The truth is, whether we like it or not, climbing is just what toddlers do! So, should you let them? The answer is both yes and no. The key isn’t stopping them – it’s learning how to keep them safe while they explore this phase of development.
From scaling furniture to attempting Mount Daddy (or Mount Mommy!), toddlers see every surface as a challenge. But why are they so drawn to climbing, and what can we do to keep our sanity while letting them explore safely? Let’s dive right into some insight.
My Experience with a Little Climber
My 26-month-old is a professional climber in the making. Chairs, tables, sofas, rocks, people – if it can be climbed, he’s all over it. He started his “adventures” early; at just 10 months old, I caught him successfully climbing his grandma’s TV stand! Before that, he tried multiple times and failed. I’ll never forget the pride on his face when he finally made it. It was terrifying and impressive all at once.
That moment was a big wake-up call for me. It reminded me how important it is to stay one step ahead of his climbing ambitions. From then on, I’ve made it my mission to keep a watchful eye, take precautions, and celebrate his achievements without letting fear take over. Currently, he’s graduated to climbing cupboards where he’s monitored closely.
How I Handle the Climbing Stage
As much as climbing is beneficial, it can also be downright scary. The key is making their environment as safe as possible while giving them opportunities to explore. Here are a few tips:
- Supervise, don’t stop: Trying to ban climbing entirely might just make them more determined. Instead, monitor their activities closely.
- Create safe climbing zones: Set up soft play areas with cushions, mats, or padded furniture where your toddler can climb freely.
- Secure your home: Where possible, make sure heavy furniture is anchored to the wall (like the TV), and place breakable or valuable items out of reach.
- Teach safety: Show your child how to climb down safely and help them understand what’s okay to climb and what’s off-limits.
Research Says…
Experts agree that climbing is an important developmental milestone. It helps toddlers explore their environment and develop their bodies in new ways.
- Climbing uses new muscles in the shoulders, hips, and core, helping toddlers improve balance and strength (Milne, 2022).
- It’s a way for kids to practice motor skills and hand-eye coordination while discovering how their body works (Van Amburg, 2022).
- With supervision, climbing can be a wonderful way for toddlers to grow and learn (Evans, 2020).
Why Toddlers Love to Climb
Climbing isn’t just a random habit – it’s a natural part of your toddler’s development. Between 8 and 12 months, many children start showing an interest in climbing as their mobility increases (Evans, 2020). What looks like chaos to us is actually a major milestone for them.
Here’s what climbing does for your toddler:
- Builds motor skills: Climbing strengthens their muscles and improves coordination (Van Amburg, 2022).
- Improves balance: It’s how they learn to distribute their weight and stay steady (Milne, 2022).
- Develops spatial awareness: Climbing helps them understand where their body is in relation to objects and people (Van Amburg, 2022).
- Encourages risk-taking: Toddlers don’t have our sense of danger, but climbing helps them develop a sense of limits and possibilities.
Conclusion
In short, for our little ones, climbing is a full-body workout, and a confidence booster all rolled into one! Toddlers climb because they’re wired to explore, grow, and develop. While their daring adventures can make your heart skip a beat, they’re essential for their physical and mental growth. By creating a safe environment and staying vigilant, you can encourage your little one’s climbing instincts without the constant worry.
Action Point
What’s the wildest thing your toddler has climbed? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear your adventures!
Reference
Evans, D. 2020. Early climbing for children aged 8-12 months old. Accessed on 22 November 2024. Available at: https://therapiesforkids.com.au/blog/early-climbing-for-children-aged-8-12-months/#:~:text=Climbing%20is%20a%20wonderful%20skill,depth%20perception%2C%20and%20risk%20taking.
Milne, V. 2022. Why is my toddler so obsessed with climbing everything? Accessed on 22 November, 2022. Available at: https://www.todaysparent.com/toddler/toddler-development/toddler-climbing-everything/
Van Amburg, J. June 13, 2022. Why Toddlers Love Climbing and How to Keep them Safe. Accessed on 21 November, 2024. Available at: https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/behavior/climbing.aspx#:~:text=Think%20of%20your%20child’s%20climbing,balance%20and%20hand%2Deye%20coordination.