DIY Montessori Pull-up Bar

Everyday, Nora is getting more and more mobile. She wants to pull up on everything and cruise along the furniture. So, I knew it was finally time to install a pull-up bar. A pull-up bar gives babies a safe place to practice their new standing up skill. At the bar, there's no fear that a heavy piece of furniture will topple over. Plus, it's hung at just the right height for success.

The mirror adds some interest and helps her explore herself and the environment around her.

I looked into purchasing a professional pull-up bar, but they are pretty expensive. I couldn't see justifying the cost for one item, especially when only one (or maybe a couple) baby would use it. So, we made our own! It was easy, cheap and fits perfectly into our space.  

The whole set up cost less than $10 and took less than an hour to complete. We bought an unfinished handrail at Home Depot. Then, we used the saw available at the store, to cut it to size. 

To hang, we just used screws that came with the hardware. Instead of hanging on an angle, we hung horizontally. It's very stable and I would feel confident that Nora (or even Henry) could hang on the bar without issue. 

We hung the bar at 17 inches from the floor. Nora is on the short side, so it's a tiny bit tall but she can still reach and pull up. Remember, when you hang the bar will be a bit taller than the holes in the wall. 

The mirror was one we had in our basement. It wasn't being used, so I repurposed it. I love the wooden frame. It's also a sturdy mirror with two screws so I know it's secured.

I also choose to leave the wooden bar unfinished. I will rub it down with olive oil from time to time. But, this way Nora can safely suck on and teeth on the bar! 

Nora loves the bar. She moving along the bar, smiling at the cute baby and teething on the bar. It makes me sad she's already so big, but it makes me happy to find something she loves so much. 

Want more ideas to entertain a baby? Check out my Baby School Pinterst Board.