As a busy stay-at-home mom, my kitchen often feels like the epicenter of our home. It’s where meals are prepped, snacks are made, and, let’s be honest, where a good chunk of my day is spent. Like many toddlers, my 18-month-old son is incredibly curious and wants to be involved in everything I do, especially in the kitchen. This often meant him clinging to my legs, exploring lower cabinets (and their contents!), and precariously reaching for the countertop, desperate to see what culinary magic (or just dinner prep!) was happening.
Initially, I considered using a chair to bring him closer to counter height. However, the idea of him teetering on an unstable chair filled me with anxiety. Safety was my top priority. That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of a learning tower. Serendipitously, I found a used Little Partners learning tower for sale online, and it turned out to be the perfect solution I didn’t even know existed!
Alt text: A toddler curiously explores a used Little Partners learning tower in a home kitchen setting, highlighting the potential for finding affordable options on marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist.
Intrigued and hopeful, I quickly contacted the seller, purchased the learning tower, and brought it home. After a good cleaning, I introduced it to my son. His reaction was immediate and enthusiastic!
Discovering the Joy of Counter Height: My Toddler’s Learning Tower Adventure
The Little Partners learning tower was an instant hit. My son was immediately drawn to this new structure in our kitchen. He eagerly investigated it, figuring out how to climb in and explore his new vantage point.
Alt text: A toddler happily stands inside a Little Partners learning tower, showcasing the elevated view and sense of excitement it provides for young children, allowing them to see the world from a new perspective.
Seeing his face light up as he finally reached the countertop level was priceless. The learning tower provided him with a secure and stable platform to participate in kitchen activities, transforming our kitchen time from a potential hazard zone into a fun and engaging learning environment. I was also thrilled that it encouraged him to use his legs and stand while at the counter, which was important as he was still mastering walking. This was a fantastic alternative to him being seated all the time in his high chair. The climbing aspect also adds an element of safety; he’s less likely to try and climb out compared to a regular chair. Of course, adult supervision is always essential.
Alt text: A toddler engaged in playful learning within a Little Partners learning tower, demonstrating how it fosters interactive play and learning experiences beyond traditional floor-level activities.
Why We Love the Little Partners Learning Tower: Key Features & Benefits
As a parent always seeking tools to support my toddler’s development and growing independence, the Little Partners learning tower has been an invaluable addition to our kitchen. It arrived at the perfect moment to nurture my son’s desire to participate and learn alongside me.
One unexpected benefit? I even found time to tackle some neglected kitchen organization projects! I reorganized a drawer specifically with toddler-safe kitchen utensils, allowing him to explore and play with these “grown-up” tools while I worked nearby. Yes, everything gets washed before actual use, but the entertainment and engagement value for my energetic toddler are well worth it.
Alt text: A toddler safely contained and happily engaged within a Little Partners learning tower at the kitchen counter, illustrating how it promotes safety and focused engagement in kitchen activities.
Here are some of the standout features that have made us such fans of the Little Partners learning tower:
- Hours of Engagement: My son genuinely enjoys spending time in the learning tower while I’m in the kitchen. Sometimes, it feels like hours! Whether it’s the novelty or the elevated perspective, it keeps him happily occupied and engaged.
- Solid and Durable Construction: Built from high-quality birch and poplar, this learning tower is incredibly sturdy and built to last. The solid wood construction gives me complete confidence in its safety and durability.
- Unwavering Stability and Safety: The 4-sided railings are a game-changer. They provide excellent support for climbing in and out and, most importantly, prevent falls while he’s inside. The stability of the tower is paramount for a busy toddler.
- Adjustable Platform for Growing Children: The platform height is easily adjustable, making it customizable for different counter heights and, crucially, adaptable as my son grows. This ensures it remains the perfect height for him from 18 months to 6 years old.
- Spacious and Secure Platform: The wide platform allows for movement and prevents slipping, providing ample space for him to stand comfortably and move around a bit within the safety of the tower.
Alt text: A close-up view emphasizing the solid and sturdy platform of a Little Partners learning tower, highlighting its robust construction and safety features designed for toddlers.
- Long-Term Use: Tested to support up to 500 lbs, this learning tower is designed to grow with your child for years, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Variety of Colors: The Little Partners learning tower comes in various finishes to complement different kitchen styles. We chose the dark cherry, which blends seamlessly with our kitchen cabinets. Regardless of color, the finish is durable, non-toxic, and lead-free.
- Flush Countertop Fit: The tower is designed to fit flush against countertops, minimizing gaps and ensuring a safe and integrated experience at the counter.
Alt text: A Little Partners learning tower positioned flush against a kitchen countertop, illustrating the seamless integration and safe, close proximity it provides for toddlers to participate in kitchen activities.
- Easy to Clean: Spills and messes are easily wiped clean with a damp cloth – a must for any toddler-related product!
- Fun Accessories: Little Partners offers add-on accessories like playhouse kits, which can further extend the tower’s use beyond the kitchen and spark imaginative play.
- Easy Mobility (with a little help): Adding felt pads to the base made it surprisingly easy to slide the tower across our hardwood floors. This allows me to reposition it as needed in the kitchen and even move it to the sink for handwashing.
Alt text: A proud toddler smiles while “helping” in the kitchen from within a Little Partners learning tower, showcasing the joy and sense of accomplishment it brings to young children participating in kitchen tasks.
Minor Drawbacks: Things to Consider
While our experience with the Little Partners learning tower has been overwhelmingly positive, there are a couple of minor points to consider:
- Non-Collapsible Design and Size: The tower is solid and sturdy, which is fantastic for safety, but it doesn’t fold up for storage. It’s a noticeable piece of furniture in the kitchen and might be challenging in very small kitchens. Thankfully, our kitchen is spacious enough to accommodate it.
- Protruding Base: A minor point, but the previous owner mentioned occasionally stubbing her toe on the base. While I understand the base design is likely crucial for stability, it’s something to be mindful of, especially in a busy kitchen.
- Price Point: The Little Partners learning tower can be an investment when purchased new. However, the quality, durability, and long-term use justify the price, especially if you can find a used one in good condition, as we did.
Alt text: The sturdy base of a Little Partners learning tower is shown in a home kitchen, illustrating its robust construction while also hinting at its non-folding, somewhat bulky nature, which might require dedicated space.
Final Verdict: Is the Little Partners Learning Tower Worth It?
For us, the Little Partners learning tower has been a fantastic addition to our home. It feels like we’ve opened up a whole new world of exploration and learning for my toddler. It allows him to safely participate in kitchen activities, fostering his independence and curiosity.
As a new mom, I’m constantly reminded of how vast and new this world must seem to my son. He learns by observing and imitating, and the learning tower allows him to be an active participant in our daily routines. It truly makes him feel like a valued and contributing member of our family.
If you’re looking for a safe, durable, and engaging way to involve your toddler in kitchen activities and foster their independence, the Little Partners learning tower is definitely worth considering. It’s been a game-changer for our family, turning kitchen time into quality time and learning opportunities.
[Here’s a video showcasing some of the features and how much my son enjoys his learning tower: The Original Learning Tower Product Review]
Have you tried the Little Partners learning tower? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
