Toddlers and Rock Climbing

Written By Anne Chavez

At the bottom of this blog you will find a list of the equipment we have for our toddlers. If you click on the photo it will take you to Amazon where you can find more information and also purchase. Using the link that is provided on each photo when purchasing supports this small business and family!

Thank you and always ask questions if you have them!

Tips for Outdoor Rock Climbing with Young Kids

  1. Plan out your rock climbing location

    1. Know where to park

    2. Know where the trail head is located (Its no fun when your kids are eager to get going and mom & dad are wondering around trying to find the trail for 20 minutes… ask me how I know!)

    3. Know what type of climbing it is!

      1. If its top rope make sure you know how to access the top if you are unable to lead climb. Also, know how to get down if the trail takes you to the top and your kids are not able to rappel.

    4. Try to determine the geography around the climb site

      1. Is it near a drop off? Have a plan for mitigating risk for you littles while waiting to climb.

  2. The shorter the approach, the more attention/energy your kiddos will have for climbing

    1. I’ve found a 1/4 mile or shorter is the sweet spot. This allows them to stretch their legs and get the wiggles out. It is also close enough for an adult to run back to the truck if something is left or if there is an emergency.

  3. Snacks!

    1. Don’t forget to bring nutritious snacks and water.

      1. Snacks I enjoy bringing that provide great energy are:

        1. Protein balls - Make them from scratch and add things like: peanut butter, chocolate, oats and protein powder.

        2. Apples

        3. Oranges

        4. Meat and cheeses

  4. Let them carry what they are capable of carrying!

    1. My kids carry a backpack with their water, snacks, harness, helmet and climbing shoes.

      1. Depending on the hike they might wear their harness and helmet (if the hike is along a cliff, etc)

  5. Teach them safe behaviors and correct verbiage around climbing.

    1. Dont step on the rope

    2. Dialogue when climbing

      1. On belay?

      2. Belay is on.

      3. Climbing

      4. Climb on!

    3. Communicating to the people on the ground if they are on top or climbing.

      1. Explain why you yell ‘rope’ when throwing your top rope down.

      2. If they kick a rock explaining why they need to yell ‘rock’, etc

  6. Teach Leave No Trace (LNT)

    1. Teach them young so when they grow its second nature to pack out what you pack in.

    2. Lets leave this world more beautiful than it is now.

  7. HAVE FUN and be flexible (both in body and in plans, ha!)!

Petzel Picchu Children Climbing/Cycling Helmet

  • Comes with stickers to decorate and fits rounder heads great! Very adjustable and easy for the kiddos to put on and take off.

  • Click on photo to view and purchase helmet on Amazon

  • I never purchase helmets used in case they were damaged by previous use

Black Diamond Equipment Kids Rock Climbing Helmet

  • Also comes with stickers and it very light weight!

  • Adjustable and easy for toddlers to get on and off.

  • Click on photo to view and purchase helmet on Amazon

  • I never purchase helmets used in case they were damaged by previous use

Petzel Ouistiti Kids Harness

  • LOVE this harness.

  • It has gear loops which makes it fun for the kids to be like mom and dad

  • Multiple locations to grab onto the harness if the kiddo slips (back, front, gear loops)

  • Thick leg loops (my daughters have never said the leg loops hurt their legs in this harness)

  • Thick waist loop

  • Back and shoulder support

  • Extremely adjustable! I can adjust it down to fit my 30lb 3 year old and it has a lot of room for her to grow.

  • I’d recommend this for toddlers over 30lbs who have good mobility.

    • The harness has more straps to maneuver when putting on and more adjustable points that needs tightened or loosened.

  • You can see my daughter wearing this harness on the photos at the top of the blog (top right photo)

  • Click on photo to view and purchase helmet on Amazon

Edelrid Fraggle III Kids Full Body Climbing Harness

  • This harness is great for teeny tiny bodies!

  • We bought this one in XXS when my now 4 year old was 2 years old and weighted 23lbs. She is very petite and this harness was fantastic!

  • She still fits in it now at 4years old and 31lbs. However, she will outgrow in this year.

  • I’d recommend this if you have a petite toddler that is just starting out.

    • Its light weight, easy to get on ( not as many straps to step over and through as the Petzel)

    • Tip: I’ve also used this while teaching them to ride a bike because I can grab onto the back strap for support.

  • You can see my daughter wearing this harness on the photos at the top of the blog (top right photo)

  • Click on photo to view and purchase helmet on Amazon

Climbing Shoes!

I researched for a few days on what shoes would be best for my toddlers to climb in. Their normal tennis shoes weren’t cutting it anymore and I couldn’t find climbing shoes small enough. I also did not want to pay $70+ for a pair just be outgrown in a few months. I landed on water shoes!

  • These shoes have amazing grip.

  • They are comfortable!

  • They fit snug so they aren’t slipping off the girls heels.

  • Click on photo to view and purchase helmet on Amazon

  • You can also keep an eye on my Poshmark account @anne_squire

    • I sell a lot of gently used clothing and gear (except helmets) on Poshmark once my girls out grow them.

Anne Chavez
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Toddlers and Winter Clothing