The Learning Tower has become an indispensable tool in our home over the last six months, and it’s safe to say my girls use it every single day. Their enthusiasm for it is undeniable! It’s truly wonderful to have them safely at counter height, allowing them to participate whether I’m preparing meals, enjoying a snack together, or engaging in a kitchen activity. Beyond the practical benefits, I believe it has nurtured a sense of independence and autonomy in both my daughters, something every toddler cherishes! Seeing their sheer joy when they use it is truly heartwarming :-).
When to Start with a Learning Tower and FAQs
We introduced the learning tower to Charlotte when she was 14 months old. However, in hindsight, I wish we had gotten it sooner! Willow started climbing into the learning tower and using it from as young as 10 months old. As a parent, I understand the confusion around knowing the right time to introduce certain toys and tools. To help clarify, here are some frequently asked questions from parents about learning towers:
“At what age can my child start using a learning tower?”
Instead of focusing solely on age, I recommend considering your child’s developmental milestones. Children develop at their own pace, so developmental skills are a more accurate indicator than age alone.
“What skills should my child have before using a learning tower?”
Ideally, your child should be able to stand independently. By this, I mean they should be able to stand steadily without needing to hold onto anything for balance, preferably for at least a minute, and also be able to manipulate objects while standing without losing balance.
When you think about the activities children typically do in a learning tower, many involve using both hands to interact with their environment, rather than needing to hold on for support. Independent standing ensures their safety while using the learning tower. While walking isn’t strictly necessary, being very close to walking is a good sign.
In short: To safely and effectively use a learning tower, your child should be able to stand independently.
“What type of learning tower is the best?”
The “best” learning tower truly depends on your individual needs, space, your child’s personality, and your personal preferences.
In our home, we have experience with both transformable and foldable learning towers. Our first learning tower was a transformable model that converted into a small table for Charlotte to use for meals or activities.
When deciding on which type to buy initially, I was torn between a foldable option for easy storage and a dual-purpose option like the table. I ultimately chose the dual-purpose tower because, while the idea of folding and storing a tower was appealing, I couldn’t identify a convenient storage spot in our house.
Realistically, I also questioned how often I would actually fold it up and store it. Being honest, it seemed like more effort to constantly fold and unfold it for storage compared to simply leaving it out. However, the same practicality applied to the table transformation feature. I rarely, if ever, used the table function. Perhaps because we have ample space and various seating options for the girls, the small table feature simply became overlooked. However, for smaller homes where maximizing space and dual-purpose furniture is crucial, the table conversion could be incredibly valuable.
The price point of that convertible tower was also a significant advantage, being on the lower end of the learning tower price spectrum.
Key Considerations When Buying a Learning Tower
Before purchasing a learning tower, consider these important factors:
- Space: Assess your kitchen space. If you have a smaller kitchen, consider a learning tower with a compact footprint or a foldable learning tower for storage. Will you keep it out permanently, or do you have storage space like a closet? If storage is available, you might save money by choosing a non-foldable option.
- Accessibility and Safety: Think about your child’s safety. Are you concerned about them stepping off or slipping through the tower? Opt for models with netting or mesh enclosures for added security. Consider your child’s climbing tendencies. If they are likely to climb onto countertops, avoid towers with side cutouts that could serve as footholds. Choose a more enclosed or open design that minimizes climbing leverage.
- Convertibility: Some learning towers convert into tables, offering two products in one. Is this dual functionality appealing? Do you have space for the tower to function as a table? Keep in mind that convertible models often lack foldable storage options.
- Adjustability: Adjustable platform heights are a valuable feature, extending the tower’s lifespan as your child grows. This is also ideal for households with multiple children, allowing customization for each child’s height and ensuring comfortable counter access.
Here’s a curated list of learning tower options categorized to help you find the perfect fit:
Foldable Learning Towers for Easy Storage
These learning towers are designed for convenience, folding away neatly when not in use, perfect for homes where space is a premium.
1. Piccalio Foldable Learning Tower
I highly recommend the Piccalio Foldable Learning Tower. Its aesthetic appeal is just one of its many strengths. It folds effortlessly for storage and features an adjustable platform that adapts as your child grows. Adjustability is crucial, as our previous non-adjustable tower became too short for my older daughter. Piccalio offers two learning tower models, and we own and love this foldable version. Its size is perfect for both my girls, especially Charlotte now that she’s older (2.5 years old), thanks to the adjustable and spacious platform.
While the minimal design is visually appealing, the open enclosure might raise safety concerns for some parents worried about backward slippage. However, Piccalio has thoughtfully addressed this with their Helper Tower Safety Net. This net attaches to the back, preventing falls, though it might slightly reduce your child’s independent access as they may need help attaching and detaching it.
2. Guidecraft Kitchen Helper Foldable Tower
The Guidecraft Kitchen Helper Foldable Tower is another excellent foldable option. It comes in various colors and prioritizes safety with full enclosures, an adjustable platform, and a removable safety mesh at the back for controlled access. This popular foldable tower is consistently praised by parents. A version with cute cut-out shapes is also available, but for safety-conscious parents of climbers, the model without cutouts is recommended to prevent using them as footholds for countertop climbing.
3. Little Partners Explore N’ Store Learning Tower
The Little Partners Explore N’ Store Learning Tower offers adjustable height with 4 platform levels, making it a long-term investment that adapts to your growing child. Its compact footprint and ability to fit under counters for storage is a standout feature. The bottom step folds up for even more space-saving. The wide base enhances stability and minimizes tipping risks. The design is thoughtfully created with limited footholds to discourage climbing out. This is ideal if under-counter storage is preferred over flat folding.
Convertible Learning Towers: 2-in-1 Functionality
These innovative learning towers transform into tables, offering extended use and value.
1. Piccalio Convertible Learning Tower
We received the Piccalio Convertible Learning Tower as a gift and chose to keep it over our previous Etsy convertible tower. Functionally and visually, it’s very similar to our first tower, but there are key improvements.
The Piccalio tower was significantly easier to assemble. I assembled it myself while supervising my daughters, whereas the Etsy tower took my husband over an hour. It also includes stabilizer feet in the front for increased tip-over resistance, a welcome safety feature, although we never experienced tipping with the Etsy tower. The overall build quality is comparable to the Etsy model. A notable upgrade is the adjustable step (which becomes the seat in table mode), a feature the Etsy tower lacked. This adjustability is crucial because it allows you to customize the table seat height for your child. We used the table function of the Etsy tower less often because the seat was too high for Charlotte, making me concerned about falls.
This convertible kitchen helper transitions from a tower to a table. However, it doesn’t have platform height adjustability in tower mode, meaning the standing height remains constant as your child grows, potentially becoming less comfortable for countertop activities over time. This model might be better suited for children prone to climbing, as it lacks side cutouts that could be used as steps. It is also compatible with the Piccalio Helper Tower Safety Net for added backward fall prevention.
2. Duckwood Convertible Learning Tower
The Duckwood Convertible Learning Tower from Etsy was our first learning tower for Charlotte, and we loved it. It served us well for almost two years until we switched to the Piccalio model. Charlotte quickly learned to climb in and out independently. It is well-crafted, reasonably priced, and converts into a small table. We didn’t utilize the table feature extensively, mainly because the seat height was a bit too high for Charlotte, causing her feet to dangle and raising concerns about backward tipping.
Downsides include the non-adjustable platform height and side cutouts that a climber child might use to reach the counter. Being from a small Etsy shop, shipping times can vary. Our delivery took about a month, though this was during the Christmas holiday period, so off-peak shipping might be faster.
3. Avenlur Laurel 5-in-1 Convertible Learning Tower
The Avenlur Laurel 5-in-1 Convertible Learning Tower offers exceptional value. Beyond being foldable for storage and featuring full enclosure and a safety mesh, it transforms into a slide and a chalkboard! This multi-purpose tower is a fantastic option for those seeking maximum functionality. However, it lacks an adjustable height platform, and the side cutouts might be a concern for toddlers prone to climbing onto counters. On the plus side, the full enclosure and safety mesh enhance fall protection. Overall, this tower promises a lot of fun and versatility.
Budget-Friendly Learning Tower Options (Under $100)
These affordable learning towers provide excellent functionality without breaking the bank.
1. Amazon Brand – Wooden Kitchen Step Stool
This budget-friendly option from Amazon has excellent customer reviews. It appears easy for children to climb into independently and includes an adjustable platform to accommodate different heights.
This tower does not fold or convert. If those features are essential, this might not be the right choice. However, its small footprint is advantageous considering it’s neither foldable nor convertible. For the price, it’s a fantastic value.
2. JOYMOR Kids Convertible Learning Tower
The JOYMOR Kids Convertible Learning Tower is a great budget-friendly option for those seeking a convertible model. It even includes a chalkboard/wipeboard feature! Like many convertible towers, it lacks an adjustable platform. Amazon reviews are generally positive, although the review count is relatively lower (125 at the time of writing), but overwhelmingly favorable.
It features a back bar for added safety against slipping. However, it has side cutouts, which might be a concern for climber children. Overall, it offers excellent value and functionality for the price.
3. IKEA DIY Learning Tower Hack
For the DIY enthusiast, the IKEA Learning Tower Hack uses 2 IKEA BEKVAM step stools (approximately $30 each). This is a cost-saving option for those comfortable with DIY projects. Numerous tutorials are available online by searching “IKEA learning tower hack,” including this step-by-step guide.
This DIY approach saves money and is praised by many. However, DIY projects carry inherent risks, and sturdiness and safety become your responsibility. DIY at your own risk!
Twin-Friendly Learning Tower Options
These wider learning towers comfortably accommodate twins or multiple young children.
1. Guidecraft Kitchen Helper Double Tower
The Guidecraft Kitchen Helper Double Tower is essentially the popular Guidecraft model, but larger! Ideal for parents of twins or two young children wanting a single tower solution. The removable safety mesh cover is especially valuable for two children, allowing easy entry but securing them inside.
It features an adjustable platform and folds for storage, which is practical given its larger size. It’s also available in a style with shape cutouts, which, as mentioned earlier, might encourage climbing for some children.
2. Little Partners Double Learning Tower
The Little Partners Double Learning Tower comes in various colors and comfortably fits two children, or one child with room to grow. The adjustable height feature ensures it grows with your child(ren), extending its lifespan. It’s also a great choice for “climber” kids due to its minimal side cutouts.
While it lacks a mesh backing, the wide railings on all sides provide ample safety. The open design promotes independent climbing in and out without needing adult assistance to manage a mesh gate.
This learning tower is purely a tower – it does not fold or transform. However, it is praised for its exceptional quality and has outstanding reviews. A limited edition version is available with all-around side enclosures and an exterior chalkboard.
3. Foldable Double Learning Tower
Another excellent option for families with two young children is the Foldable Double Learning Tower. Its minimalist design folds flat for storage and includes an adjustable height platform. Being minimalist, it has fewer safety features and is not fully enclosed, which might be a concern for younger toddlers prone to slipping backwards. However, this might be less of an issue for older toddlers.
I hope this guide has been helpful as you explore learning towers for your little one. It’s truly a worthwhile investment!
