Everything You Need to Know About Learning Towers for Toddlers

Does your toddler eagerly watch as you move about the kitchen, desperate to join in on the grown-up activities happening all around them?  

It's a familiar scene — your tiny tot, bubbling with excitement, surrounded by enticing tasks that feel forever out of reach from their tiny stature.  

This is where a learning tower swoops in to save the day, elevating your child so they can participate, learn, and have fun too! Also known as a toddler tower or kitchen helper, a learning tower is a sturdy, child-safe stool that brings your little one up to counter height.  

This versatile platform allows young children to safely take part in all kinds of household activities, from baking cookies to brushing teeth. With a boost of height and a boost of independence, a learning tower unlocks a world of enriching experiences for your growing child. 
 

Learning Tower Benefits  

From boosting confidence to building motor skills, learning towers offer countless advantages for both parents and children. 

• Learning towers allow you to involve your kiddo in everyday tasks, which means you can spend less time trying to think of stimulating activities to keep them entertained. 
  
  
• Spending time together doing activities strengthens the parent-child bond. Plus, letting your child observe you doing routine tasks gives them insight into your world. 
  
  
• It comes with a free sensory education while helping in the kitchen. Let your child be your kitchen assistant, learning all about different flavours and identifying new things like fruits, vegetables, and condiments.
  
  
• The tower can be a great help in the bathroom for hand washing and teeth brushing. 
  
  
• A learning tower provides your back and arms with a much-deserved rest (no more lifting your child up all the time to see) and frees up your hands to do tasks like meal prep and cooking. 
  
  
• The tower will give your children a sense of freedom and confidence. As they get older, they can move it themselves, accessing the sink to wash their hands or closer to you to watch and learn.
  
  
• Your little munchkin can fully concentrate on what they are doing. They won't be distracted by trying to stay steady on a regular chair and you, in turn, can also relax knowing that they are safe, and the tower won't topple.
  
  
• A learning tower is great during craft time, helping develop your toddler’s confidence and motor skills. 
   

Choosing the Right Learning Tower 

Before investing in a learning tower, it's important to consider safety features and age-appropriate guidelines to ensure the best experience for your little one. Here are some key factors to keep in mind: 

• Children should only use a tower with a caregiver in the room to prevent misuse. 
  
  
• Stair climbing indicates greater tower readiness. 
  
  
• Your child must be able to stand independently before using the tower. 
  
  
• Towers can be used starting when a child is 28" tall (which tends to be between 10-14 months).
  
  
• As for the maximum age, it’s recommended to stop when children reach around 44" tall (which often happens between 5 to 6 years old). As a general rule, if your child's belly button is above the top of the Tower's sides, you should lower the standing platform. 
  
  
• Look for a very stable tower, with three solid sides and safety bars at the back. The safety bars are added for extra protection so smaller children do not accidentally fall out.
  

Our Favourite Towers 

With a range of sizes, styles, and special features, there's a learning tower to suit every family. Here are some of our top picks: 

Lemo Learning Tower Set:  

The Lemo Learning Tower Set from Cybex seamlessly integrates with the brand's popular Lemo Chair. This design eliminates the need for a separate tower, creating an all-in-one solution that's compact and convenient. The tower easily clicks onto the chair, allowing your child to get involved in cooking, crafting, and more. With 5 stylish colour options, the Lemo set fosters developmental skills while complementing any kitchen decor. 

For an in-depth look at this tower, check out our Cybex Lemo Learning Tower Set Review. 

Adjustable Fold N' Store Learning Tower: 

For maximum flexibility, the Adjustable Fold N' Store Learning Tower from Mommy's Little Helper Co. offers 3 height adjustments to accommodate children from 14 months up to 9 years old. Its modern, natural aesthetic is crafted from high-quality Baltic birch, and the compact, foldable design makes storage a breeze. Safety features like an easy-clean finish and weight capacity up to 200 lbs. give parents peace of mind at all times. 

Adjustable Double Wide Fold N' Store Learning Tower:  

Have two little helpers? The Double Wide version of the Mommy's Little Helper tower provides ample space for siblings or friends to collaborate. It still features the same 3-height adjustability and sturdy construction, just with an expanded platform. 

Keep your child extra secure with these translucent Anti-Slip Strips. Designed specifically for the Adjustable Fold N' Store Learning Towers, these easy-to-install strips provide added grip and stability when using the tower. 

Wooden Learning Tower:

For a classic, natural look, the Wooden Learning Tower from Janod offers two adjustable height settings from 12.8" to 16" to accommodate growing toddlers. The removable stool serves as a step, and a chalkboard side panel sparks creativity while the tower's simple, minimalist style complements any kitchen decor. 

PIVOT Toddler Tower: 

The PIVOT Toddler Tower from Boon lets you easily move your child's tower around the kitchen or bathroom. Its lightweight, foldable frame tucks away when not in use, while non-slip feet keep it steady during activities. Additionally, the smooth, wipe-clean surface makes cleanup a breeze! 

Folding Toddler Tower: 

Another space-saving option, the Folding Toddler Tower features 3 adjustable platform heights and 2 step heights. Dadada Baby crafted it with a sturdy, lightweight frame that folds flat for seamless storage, and its baby-safe finishes promote a healthy environment for your little one.

Elevating Everyday Moments 

Whether you choose a classic wooden design, an adjustable model, or an integrated chair-and-tower system, a learning tower can transform your home into an interactive, enriching environment for your little one. By empowering your toddler to participate in everyday tasks, you'll nurture their independence, build their skills, and strengthen your bond — all while getting an extra set of tiny hands to help out. 

So, the next time your child says, "Me too!" reach for a learning tower and elevate those everyday moments into truly special shared experiences!