The Benefit of Climbing Toys

We all know that children like to climb. As a parent, you should not prevent your child from climbing since it is good for the child's physical development. In addition, climbing is also exciting, rewarding and provides an outlet for your child's energy.

But what if there is no tree in your backyard, or what if the trees are not yet strong enough for your child to climb on ? Or what if your child attempts to climb a fragile old fence, or even the trellis on the side of the house ?

In these cases, providing a child climbing toy in your backyard can offer a solution. These toys recreate the experience of climbing up a tree. Yet, they are more durable and safer than an old tree or fence. More importantly, these toys give you a peace of mind, knowing that your child can only climb so high.

Nowadays ,outdoor climbing toys come in a variety of structure. They no longer look like the conventional, metal bars you remember from your old school days. Many incorporate playhouses, swing sets, look-out tower, slides, and tunnel which will give your child a variety of physical activity.

For toddlers and young preschoolers, we recommend to have a toddler climbing toy which contains only stationary structure as toddlers may not be able to cope with moving structure like swings. You can add the moving structure when your child is older and has capability to cope with that. Climb and Slide Castle from Little Tikes is what we recommend for this age groups.

Some kid climbers are designed to 'grow' with your child. You can start with a simple and low structure when your child is a toddler. As your child grows, you can add some more structure to the climbing toy. Below are two samples of climbing toys from Little Tikes which grow with your child.

I find that many parents are reluctant to buy big toys including kid climbers since they are expensive. I must agree that they are indeed expensive, and as long as you provide your child with climbing experience elsewhere (at the park for instance), then this toy is not essential.

However, I also feel that rather than spending money on video games and upgrades (something which some parents prefer to do), it is better to spend the same money in big toys which otherwise you cannot afford.

The benefit of outdoor climbing toys for young children are much greater than that of video games. When playing with a kid climber, your children is active, and being active is important for young body development. In addition, children can learn social skills while playing with this toy since they will learn to take turn, negotiate and many more. The climbing toys can even be a part of their make-believe play.

Therefore if you have the budget, this toy can be a great addition to your child toy's collection. Otherwise, try to arrange as many as climbing and other active play for your child elsewhere.

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For related articles, go to:

Toddler Toys
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Preschooler Toys
Don't buy anymore toys for your preschooler ... until you read this.

Toys for school-age children and pre-teens
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