It’s a well-known fact that toddlers are busy little people. At this stage, they have lots of energy and are very curious about the world around them.
Do you ever find yourself wishing to give your toddler the best opportunities for learning, exploring, and growing? Are you looking for a safe way for them to join in activities with you around the home? If so, then a toddler learning tower could be just what you need.
Toddler learning towers are specially designed pieces of kid-friendly furniture that are both fun and informative for toddlers. These towers provide several advantages over traditional chairs and stools, as they help to foster independence, exploration, and learning in a safe way.
This post will tell you everything you need to know about them. If you are already considering buying one, there will be lots of helpful shopping tips.
What is a toddler learning tower?
You’re probably already familiar with a step stool, which is a self supporting, foldable ladder or step usually under 32 inches.
A toddler learning toddler, also called a kitchen helper, Montessori tower, or toddler helper stool is similar to a step stool in that you can use it to bring your toddler up to high spaces or counter height safely.
The major difference is that it has a four sided open frame at the top to prevent your toddler from falling.
Learning Tower vs Step Stool
If you’re wondering why you can’t just use a step stool or chair to do the job, I’ll tell you why.
A learning tower comes with safety rails, rounded edges, and a non-slip platform.
Handrails and adjustable steps will ensure that your little one can reach the perfect height, while also providing extra security when climbing up and down. Many models also come with non-slip surfaces on each step to further reduce the risk of slipping or falling.
Furthermore, since they are made from solid wood or plastic materials, they provide a durable foundation that will last through years of use.
Benefits of A Learning Tower
Encourages bonding with your child. You’ll be able to have your toddler safely alongside you as you do daily chores or everyday real world activities. Examples: washing dishes, and preparing a meal.
Helps nurture the desire to be independent and learn in a safer way.
Allows them to participate and engage in family activities without fear of slipping off a narrow or unstable platform.
Unlike a step stool, a learning tower has an adjustable height to grow with your toddler.
What is the recommended age?
The learning tower is designed for toddlers 18 months and older. The best age to begin using a toddler learning tower is when your child is between 18 months and 3 years old.
At this stage, they are usually tall enough that the tower can help them reach the desired height for activities such as personal hygiene tasks or helping you in the kitchen.
In addition, you should make sure that your toddler has reached a certain level of physical development before beginning to use the tower – in particular, they should be able to climb up and down steps unassisted. You will know when your toddler is ready when they express an interest in climbing it or engaging in activities with it.
Is A Toddler Learning Tower Worth It?
Toddler learning towers help facilitate lots of hands-on learning, and social interaction. With the help of a learning tower, your toddler can join in activities such as baking and help with dinner preparation; playing on the piano or engaging in other creative projects at an art table, or simply using their own mini desk for drawing and coloring.
As they grow, they can learn how to pour ingredients into bowls and stir them, use scissors to make shapes, or even help wipe down the counters
Here are some suggestions for learning tower use at different ages and stages:
18 months – 2 years
- Work on gross motor skills such as climbing steps
- Practice washing their hands with help from an adult
2 – 3 years
- Help prepare food, washing fruit and vegetables in the sink
- Brush their teeth
- Clear plates after meals, and wash dishes, even if this is just rinsing
3 – 5 years
- Help stir ingredients for food, for example, pancakes or sauces
- Pour cereal or assemble foods you’ve prepared
- Rolling and cutting cookie dough
What To Look For In A Learning Tower
Buying a toddler learning tower can be an investment in furniture that you’ll use for years. To get the best use of a learning tower and the best value for your money, here are some features to consider:
Adjustable height for growing kids. Every toddler is different and one of the benefits of a learning tower is that it’s not a one size fits all kitchen helper stool. The height of the tower should be suitable for your toddler’s current ability level, while also allowing room to grow taller.
Wide base for standing room and more stability.
Price varies according to your personal budget but the range for learning towers can range from 80 dollars up to 230 dollars.
Consider the space you have in your home’s living area, particularly the kitchen and bathroom areas.
Top 5 Toddler Learning Towers
Little Partners Kids Learning Tower
The original learning tower designed by a Montessori school principal. It has solid wood construction with a safe non toxic finish and is tested to hold up to 500 pounds.
Guidecraft Classic Kitchen Helper Stool
While this probably the most pricey of the learning tower options, it comes highly rated with some unique features. Most notable, this toddler learning tower folds flat for storage, a huge plus for those with limited space.
UNICOO- Kids Step Stool
This learning tower features “A” shaped seating to reduce fall over risk. From the side view you can see that the base is wide and narrows towards the top where the platform in enclosed by the four sided railing.
KidzWerks Child Standing Tower
This learning tower has a removable rod for easy entry and exit. The platform adjusts to three levels and is a little bit less big and bulky.
Simplay3 Toddler Tower Childrens Step Stool
This is one of the only learning towers that is not made from wood, if you prefer another material, this may be the one for you. It’s made with double wall plastic which is easy to clean and sanitize.
Top 5 Toddler Learning Towers
Little Partners’ Kids Learning Tower
The original learning tower was designed by a Montessori school principal. It has solid wood construction with a safe non toxic finish and is tested to hold up to 500 pounds.
Most parents that review this say that it is a well-made solid piece of furniture and pretty sizeable. It comes in 7 colors, so you can pick your preferred finish or match your home decor.
Little Partners also sells learning tower accessories so that you can use it for other purposes such as a chalkboard.
Guidecraft Classic Kitchen Helper Stool
While this is probably the most pricey of the learning tower options, it comes highly rated and with some unique features.
Most notably, this toddler learning tower folds flat for storage, a huge plus for those with limited space. It features solid hardwood and birch plywood and adjustable heights.
A non slip mat and Kitchen Keeper Helper with clip on, clip off safety netting is included. The product is shipped mostly assembled. Many reviews stated that this is easy to assemble and easy to clean.
This learning tower features “A” shaped seating to reduce fallover risk. From the side view you can see that the base is wide and narrows towards the top where the platform in enclosed by the four sided railing.
This is a less pricier option, but does not include the adjustable height. Assembly is required and the seller does offer free lifetime replacement parts. It is less bulky and might be a good solution for small spaces. It also comes with 4 anti strip slips for the legs.
KidzWerks Child Standing Tower
This learning tower has a removable rod for easy entry and exit. The platform adjusts to three levels and is a little bit less big and bulky.
They’ve also included matching screw covers and 4 anti slip pads. Some reviewers stated that their child was able to figure out how to remove the rod on their own.
Although this may be avoided with close supervision. Many loved that they were able to assemble it in less than half an hour.
Simplay3 Toddler Tower Childrens Step Stool
This is one of the only learning towers that is not made from wood, so if you prefer another material, this may be the best toddler kitchen stool for you.
It’s made with double wall plastic which is easy to clean and sanitize. The tower step stool comes with three enclosed height adjustments.
If you’re concerned about the plastic material sliding, they’ve also included non skid rubber stoppers.
Since the plastic is more lightweight this would be an easier option to carry around the home if necessary. The back rail is not removable on this one.
A toddler learning tower is definitely an investment and there are lots to choose from these days.
DIY Options: Learning Tower Plans
If you are ready to invest in an item that would encourage more independence and confidence in your toddler but you want to save money, there are plenty of tutorials and videos on line to help you tackle the project.
DIY Learning Towers for any budget
This toddler learning hack involves a stool from Ikea. You’ll also need to get wood cut into specific lengths which this article does include the measurements for.
If hands on projects are your thing or you don’t mind doing a little work to save money, then DIY might be the route for you.
Toddler Proof Your Kitchen
Having your toddler in the kitchen can be a wonderful learning experience, but the kitchen is a room full of safety hazards. Here are 5 ways to keep your kitchen toddler proof for your curious little explorer.
1. When you’re cooking, use the back burner on the stove. Be sure to turn pot handles inward.
2. Don’t leave towels draped on the oven handle. It can be used to pull up on.
3. Don’t leave dishes and utensils on countertops edges for toddlers to reach. It can be tempting but put your dirty dishes in the sink. You could also load them directly into the dishwasher!
4. Cover the outlets and secure your small appliance cords.
5. Use cabinet locks or safety latches to secure cabinets. These devices can keep your toddler from exploring your cabinet with potentially dangerous consequences, while still allowing you access to them.
Hopefully, this guide has given you all the info you need in order to make an informed decision.
Happy learning and discovering with your little one!
Related: The Complete Guide to Pikler Triangle Play
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