Most toddlers are hyperactive and full of energy. So it's hard to blame them for crawling under chairs or climbing on the furniture.
Rather than repeating "don't climb on the sofa" or "get out of there," you could invest in climbing toys to help your child burn off excess energy while also developing sensory and motor skills.
If you don't have the time to search for the best climbing toys, I'm here to help you!
Here is the list of the best climbing toys for 1 year old as recommended by a happy mom and her little one!
They’re the ideal size for a baby who is eager to climb. These climbing toys will last for years, and older siblings will adore them.
Below, I'll go over everything in further depth. But, if you want the short version, here are the top three best climbing toys for 1 year old that mom and kid-approved.
Our top 3 picks for the best climbing toys for 1 year old
SECOND BEST
Step2 Game Time Sports Climber and Slide
WINNER
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Tower
RUNNER-UP
ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Set
Why is climbing good for toddlers?
Climbing is an integral part of the gross motor skill development process. Climbing aids in the development of muscle strength, balance, and hand-eye coordination in babies. It's a natural physical activity for babies as they explore their surroundings.
However, it can be difficult for parents to manage this behavior. Trying to stop a climbing toddler is unlikely to be successful. The key for this case is to buy a climbing toy to assist babies in developing a skill-safe manner.
There are a plethora of fantastic toys available to assist your one-year-old in developing their climbing skills. And equipping your climbing apparatus with the safety features will provide for a far less stressful playtime.
How to choose the climbing toys for toddlers
Climbing toys for toddlers come in a variety of sizes and shapes. There are enormous options for use outside and smaller, more compact ones for use indoors. Which features you choose are determined by your home, your toddler, and yourself.
- Multi-purpose: This is a feature I am always on the look for. Find a climbing toy that includes a tunnel, a slide, or a basketball hoop — these are all different activities that your toddler can enjoy. If they express an interest in swinging, for example, that could be a feature you'd like to include.
- Timeless toy: Choose something that will develop alongside your child. A climbing toy that is appropriate for a broader age range. And it will last a long time is always a better investment than something that will not be used after a year.
- Encourage learning: Consider a climbing toy that will encourage your toddler to explore and learn letters and numbers. These added features can help keep them entertained while also educating them.
- Sturdy. Must must be very sturdy. We don’t need a beautiful climbing toy that can flip over when your kid is on it.
What features should look for in climbing toys
If your toddler is a natural-born climber, provide him/her with toys that will allow him/her to practice his skills in a safe environment. Learn what characteristics to look for in the best climbing toys for a 1 year old.
Material
For durability, most children's climbing toys are made of heavy-duty plastic. Parents concerned about the environment may want to choose a climbing toy made of natural and sustainable materials such as wood.
Height
When selecting a climbing toy for your one-year-old, safety should be of the utmost importance. Because falls are often unavoidable, pick a low climbing toy to the ground to keep your child safe from accidents.
Function
Many children's toys, besides climbing, have other functions that children can enjoy. Look for a climbing toy with many functions, such as climbing, crawling, hanging, and sliding.
Portable
Look for a portable climbing toy that can be moved from one room to another or from inside to outside. When not in use, it should be foldable or detachable for easy storage.
Safety note
Always read all the specs of the toy to make sure it is sturdy enough for playing.
7 best climbing toys for 1 year old and up
Now that you're aware of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a climbing toy. There's something on the list for everyone, whether you have a sizable expansive yard or a small living room. Let's get down to business with our top picks.
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Tower
We can now have monkey bars indoors, thanks to Eezy Peezy, as long as we have enough open space to set them up and take them down. I consider this as the one of the best climbing toys for 1 year old on the market.
This climbing toy is essentially a dome filled with bars. Use pipes and connectors to create your design. It also has double self-locking springs to ensure the toy's durability and your children's ultimate safety. This Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower will provide hours of entertainment for your children during their playtime and backyard activities.
With only 27 lbs, the Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower is portable and easy to move around the house. This tower is easily climbed and hung from by children.
This playset is also made of high-quality plastic that has UV protection. This feature ensures the product lasts a long time, even when used outside.
The bright color is the “wow” factor of it all. Some customers, however, have complained that assembly is challenging. It's important to note that this product is just for climbers who have prior climbing experience.
What we like
What we don't like
Step2 Game Time Sports Climber and Slide
Step2's Game Time Sports Climber and Slide is another excellent climbing toy for toddlers. The toy is designed for kids to have the most fun possible, and it includes various activities such as basketball, soccer, a slide, crawling, and climbing.
The toy includes an easy-to-climb stair that allows your little climber to enter the sports platform quickly. It also has a junior basketball hoop where kids can practice their slam dunks. Your children can also enjoy the crawl-through space and a small slide.
The toy aids in the development of children's motor skills and physical fitness. Because your child can share this toy with their friends. They will improve their coordination and social skills.
What we like
What we don't like
ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Set
If you are overprotective (well, we all try hard not to be) and you can picture how easily your kid gets hurt, then another less-hardcore solution in the best climbing toys for 1 year old is stacking blocks.
The ECR4Kids SoftZone Climb and Crawl Activity Play Set is an excellent starter climbing toy for your toddler to learn the fundamentals of climbing, crawling, and sliding.
This adaptable climbing playset comes in two color palettes and five different shapes, allowing for unlimited assembling possibilities and activities.
The entire playset is made of dense and lightweight foam, providing your children with easy-to-carry, safe-to-play-with pieces. These items are simple to clean with a mild soap and water solution. They also have a non-slip bottom to keep the details stable once they're set down.
This set is ideal for gross motor development. It is also lightweight enough for your child to move around and stack. It is free of phthalates and has earned the GREENGUARD GOLD certification.
There have been many reports of children having a great time building forts with these pieces, or pushing them up against the couch, and so on. Some customers claim the pieces slide or slip too quickly, which could be a problem if they're on a smooth surface (rather than carpet).
What we like
What we don't like
Step2 Play Ball Fun Climber with Slide
Another Step2 product caught our attention when searching for the best climbing toys for 1 year old, especially for indoor climbing.
This Step2 Play Ball Fun Climber with Slide for Toddlers will provide hours of entertainment for your child. The multi-function play structure offers several activities for toddlers to enjoy both indoors and outdoors. With low costs, this is ideal for parents who value quality construction at a reasonable price.
By climbing, crawling, and sliding, the playset encourages toddlers to improve their gross motor skills. As your child grabs, throws, and squeezes the colorful play balls that come with the climbing toy. He or she will also develop sensory and cognitive skills.
Sturdy stairs lead to an elevated base, providing your toddler with the opportunity to climb and practice walking upstairs. The smooth slide is an exciting way to leave the structure. A crawl-through area is beneath the climber for more play fun. A play ball maze can be found on the structure's exterior. Your child will have a great time watching the balls zig-zag down the wall.
Besides, the toy includes enhanced play features such as a ball drop wall and a pit for storing balls and sensory play with water and sand. The hole has a single non-leak drain plug, allowing you or your children to empty the basin after playtime quickly. They also include ten balls for your little explorers.
Step2 creates the toy with a large playing area between the slide and platform, allowing many children to have fun together. They can play hide and seek, climb, and slide together.
What we like
What we don't like
Little Tikes Wheels on the Bus
When it comes to slides for young children, many parents prioritize safety. Little Tikes slides have a sturdy base to support children who are still a little shaky on their feet. Unlike playground slides, which are frequently relatively high, Little Tikes slides are much shorter to accommodate the small size of toddlers and preschoolers.
Slides from Little Tikes are the ideal size for toddlers seeking a fun experience. These slides are not only fun to use outside, but they are also small enough to use inside the house.
Your little one never has to play alone with this climber from Little Tikes. While one youngster climbs and slides, the other can play on the opposite side of the climber. Children from 1 to 4 years old will like it.
What we like
What we don't like
TCF-323 Constructive Playthings
The first time I set my eyes on these blocks are that they are soft and baby-proof in every way. If you are looking for the best climbing toys for 1 year old or less, this is the one.
These soft vinyl-covered foam blocks are ideal for toddlers who are just getting their bearings and taking their first steps. The bright colors and various shapes are sure to catch their attention. And they will enjoy arranging them in multiple ways to play with.
There are other items in the range that you can add to your collection as your child grows. Besides, they are made of high-quality materials that are easy to clean. That's why it's ideal for baby indoor climbing toys.
Bring the Constructive Playthings 5 Piece Lightweight Vinyl Soft Play Forms for Toddlers home to have your little one climbing right away! This set isn't as extensive as some others on this list. But it features several huge, bright, soft foam pieces that will quickly have your toddler moving and active. Best of all, if your child so desires, he or she can also push and rearrange these components!
What we like
What we don't like
SoftScape Toddler Playtime Corner Climber
This indoor jungle is ideal for your youngster. It's made of a soft polyurethane material that feels like leather and is robust and durable enough to withstand extended use. It's simple to clean with essential soap and water and meets all indoor air quality standards.
It is ideal for children from 6 months to 3 years. Can rearrange all the provided pieces to create various play combinations. To save room, the entire construction will fit neatly and compactly in a corner.
Hook and loop fasteners and a non-slip base have been added to keep the pieces in place. These infant climbing toys are ideal for crawlers, climbers, and young explorers in your home.
What we like
What we don't like
Easy Outdoor Space Dome Climber
Ok, one of the climbers that I must talk about, even though we are talking about the best climbing toys for 1 year old indoor, is the Easy Outdoor Space Dome Climber. The reason is because if your house is big enough, you can set it up indoor for sure, but this is one of the highest-ranking in climbing toys for toddlers.
When selecting a toy for the backyard, it must be long-lasting. Easy Outdoor's dome climber is both UV and rust-resistant. It's made of steel and can support up to 1,000 pounds. So it can support over three toddlers at once. Your children will have a great time playing with their friends in this brightly colored play dome.
What's great about a dome - like this one is that your child can exercise. They can improve their motor skills and confidence by climbing, hanging, and crawling through.
This Easy Outdoor Space Dome Climber will undoubtedly provide your children with an opportunity to improve their comprehension, physical skills, and, sometimes, social skills.
The toy is made of high-quality steel and has a sturdy and resilient construction that can provide your children with the safest playground. There's no need to be concerned about wear-out.
What we like
What we don't like
Climbing toy safety precautions
When it comes to toys, safety is of the utmost importance. Here are some precautions to take and things to avoid.
- Avoid sharp edges: Whether it's a poke in the eye or a scratch on the arm, anything that could avoid damage. Instead, opt for products with rounded edges.
- Age-appropriate: Avoid buying something made for older children if your toddler is small. Because it will just frustrate them and could be unsafe.
- No choking hazards: If there are any ropes or dangling parts, make sure they can't get hooked or wrapped around a toddler's neck.
- Durability: Look for a material that can withstand a significant amount of weight and will not degrade with repeated use.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the most popular climbing toy brands?
ECR4Kids, Step2, and UTEX are the top climbing toy brands. In terms of design, ECR4Kids climbing toys with colorful pieces catch children's attention and keep them playing while encouraging creativity and all-around skills.
Creativity Step2 climbing toys are ideal. Step2 toys with various themes and multifunction will stimulate your children's creativity as they develop new ways to play with the toys.
UTEX climbing toys are the most popular climbing toys. UTEX manufactures the best climbing toys for kids toddlers using high-quality materials and sturdy construction.
2. Is it safe to climb indoors?
Yes, indoor climbers are safe since they allow your child to play without being exposed to the sun's UV rays, and the climber itself isn't subjected to fading
3. How can I assist my toddler in climbing?
You can assist your toddler in learning to climb by providing opportunities and space for him or her to practice. Play equipment designed for climbing and developing gross motor skills is beneficial, as is allowing your toddler to interact with children who are already adept at climbing. Remember that each child develops at his or her own pace, and showing positive encouragement can go a long way.
The Bottom Line
Keep in mind that climbing is one of the developmental stages that toddlers go through. Any anxiety you are experiencing right now will not last forever. Your toddler's desire to climb on everything will fade... just as they discover something new.
With the best toddler climbing toy for 1 year old, your little climber will work on motor skills, balance, and confidence.
The most important factors to consider before shopping are safety, durability, size, and the small age. So, don't buy something just because it appears to be entertaining. Toys that are appropriate for your child's age and abilities should be selected.
Most of these one-year-old climbing toys include more features such as crawling tunnels, sliders, and sometimes even sports props such as soccer goal nets, basketball hoops, and even a baseball bat!
We hope that you have a better idea of what to look for; you are more confident in deciding which climbing toy is best for your child.