We are obsessed with learning towers.
By Conz Preti
Back when I was a totally inexperienced parent (not like I’m much better now, but at least I’ve gone and seen some things) I had no idea what learning towers were. I focused way too much on cute onesies and toys that were not going to compete with our adult decor instead of thinking about practical items that were going to also help our toddler learn more.
Learning towers are actually incredible for learning. Kids are curious by nature, and not being able to see what you are doing on the kitchen countertop will leave them wailing on the floor for attention. Being able to put them on your eye level and handing them over tools (even if they are toys or don’t involve touching any actual food) will also start teaching them the process of food prep and cooking. My son was quickly fascinated by all the cooking my husband did (sorry, I can’t even make toast) and was whisking eggs with some adult help at the young age of one. Now that he is an adult three year old he salts our salads (we do need to stop him after three pinches or we would just eat salt with a little salad on it), he cracks eggs, makes muffins, and is just super into cooking.
Being able to put them on your eye level and handing them over tools (even if they are toys or don’t involve touching any actual food) will also start teaching them the process of food prep and cooking.
But, if you’re like me and cooking is not your forte, learning towers are still a great thing to have around. My son colors while standing, watching me do the dishes or organize the kitchen. He just likes hanging at the same level we are, for a change, and being part of our activities. We also drag it around for hand washing when big messes happen, without having to pick him up and get ourselves dirty (which is rare).
Which one to choose will depend a lot on what you need. Does it need to be compact because your kitchen is small? Do you have a tight budget? Do you want something that does more than one thing? How old is the child (or children) that will be using it regularly? Do you want something they can climb up and down independently or would you rather lift them up?
All the options listed here are sturdy and safe (remember always to use them on a flat floor) so which one is best for you will certainly depend on your needs.
Little Partners
Limited edition learning tower – $249.99
This is the tower I’ve been using with my twins. It’s ideal for multiple kids to stand on it (always check weight limits) because it has a bigger footprint than all the others. Because of this, I recommend it for an open space or fairly big kitchen. I chose this one for the twins because they are still very clumsy and this one allows you to have (or not) side panels. With the panels you have to lift your child in and out, and there’s no way of them falling out. Without the panel you give them more independence by allowing them to choose when to get in and out, but there is an open space (like all the other models).
Little Partners
Explore N Store learning tower – $159.99
This is the more compact version by Little Partners, ideal for smaller kitchens. The step can be folded up, for even a smaller footprint (you won’t be kicking the step in the middle of the night when you go get water, trust me, I’ve tried it). The height is perfect for it to be stored under the countertop of a kitchen island, for example. You can add grippy stickers to the bottom of the platform, for those kids who only want to wear socks all day long, to avoid slips and tumbles.
KATARUS
Learning tower – $79
This tower is ideal for those with a tighter budget. While it’s still an expensive item, you always want to make sure you are getting a product that is well built, sturdy and safe. This one checks all the boxes (you can read the reviews!)
Happy Tower
Convertible learning tower – $159.50
This is the first tower we got when we lived in a tiny apartment in Brooklyn and wanted kid products that did more than one thing so we could optimize our living space. This learning tower goes from tower to toddler table, which we used for meals and also coloring or playing with play-doh. If that wasn’t enough, on the back it also has a chalkboard (the first Little Partners one also has this cool feature) so you can flip it for an extra fun activity.
ECR4Kids
Reach-up step stool with support handles – $80
Perfect for older children, this tower is more like a step stool with really tall support handles to help them get on and off easily. Because of the design you can also use it in the bathroom for brushing teeth and washing hands and face. The steps have a non-slip sticker to ensure your kids are super safe on it, always.
