Why Teach This Early?
Climbing builds strength, coordination, and risk assessment.
Progressive Sub-Goals
Introduction
Target: 12-14 monthsClimbs onto low furniture with effort
💡 Tip: Supervise but don't prevent safe climbing. They need to learn their limits.
Developing
Target: 14-18 monthsClimbs stairs on hands and knees
💡 Tip: Teach them to go down backwards. Stay close but let them try.
Mastery
Target: 18-24 monthsClimbs up and down stairs with rail or hand
💡 Tip: Practice on safe climbing structures. Confidence comes with practice.
Teaching Tips
- 1Provide safe climbing opportunities
- 2Teach them to get down safely
Global Context
Pikler and RIE approaches encourage safe climbing from early ages.
Learning Resources
Rock Stars! True Stories of Extreme Climbing Adventures by National Geographic Kids
View on AmazonRelated Skills to Explore
#1 Tummy Time & Head Control
Health & Wellness • Age 0 (0-12 months)
Tolerates brief tummy time (1-2 minutes) with support
#3 Rolling Over
Health & Wellness • Age 0 (0-12 months)
Rolls from tummy to back with momentum
#4 Sitting Up
Health & Wellness • Age 0 (0-12 months)
Sits with significant support (pillows, hands)
#30 First Words & Vocabulary
Leadership & Social • Age 1 (12-24 months)
Says 1-3 words with meaning (mama, dada, ball)
#31 Spoon & Fork Use
Kitchen & Food • Age 1 (12-24 months)
Holds spoon and brings to mouth (with spills)
#32 Open Cup Drinking
Practical Life • Age 1 (12-24 months)
Drinks from open cup held by adult