6 Best Learning Towers of 2023
Give your child a sense of independence, confidence, and inclusion with a learning tower! And parents love the added security of a learning tower, as well as the flexibility they offer to get tasks done. Check out this guide to the 6 best learning towers of 2023! For ages 2 – 6 years.
Medically reviewed and co-written by Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Learning Towers
A learning tower is a large step stool with a partially enclosed platform. It’s a helpful tool for toddlers and children to safely stand at counter height. Learning towers offer a safe spot for kids to get involved in daily activities that tend to happen in the kitchen, like preparing food, baking, cooking, cleaning or any hands-on activity.
Learning towers are great for fostering independence and opportunities for toddlers and kids to be involved in daily routines. They’re a smart long-term investment that can be used with multiple kids for years to come.
In this guide, we will go over the benefits of learning towers, FAQs, share expert tips as well as go over our favorite 6 Learning Towers.
Benefits of a Toddler Learning Tower
Learning towers are a game changer if you’ve got a little one who makes it challenging for you to get stuff done in the kitchen. With a learning tower, your kiddo can be next to you and involved in activities in the kitchen, but you won’t have to worry about them needing constant, hands-on assistance – unlike with a step stool or a kitchen chair.
- Safer and sturdier than stools and kitchen chairs
- Helps kids feel included in kitchen tasks and daily routines
- Promotes independence and self-confidence
- Offers increased opportunities for bonding
- Helps little ones focus on the activity and not worry about losing their balance
- Some models can be folded or converted into a mini table and chairs when not being used
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learning towers are typically recommended for kids around 2-6 years of age, but this can vary depending on the specific model of learning tower, its weight/height limit, and your child’s development.
So many activities! Some of the ways they are most commonly used are for toddlers and young children to stand at countertop height and help with cooking, baking, folding laundry, arts and crafts, washing hands at the sink, or simply observing.
Although children still need to be supervised while using a learning tower, they are typically much safer than using a stool or kitchen chair, as these items may be less stable and do not have a partially enclosed platform to help prevent tipping backward and falling.
Best Learning Towers
- Little Partners Learning Tower
- Guidecraft Classic Kitchen Helper
- SDADI Adjustable Height Kitchen Step Stool
- Dadada Toddler Tower
- KidzWerks Child Standing Tower
- Boon PIVOT Toddler Tower
Expert Tips for Using a Learning Tower
- Make sure to register your product so that you can stay up to date on any recalls.
- Check your learning tower regularly for any splinters, cracks, or loose hardware.
- Never leave your child unattended while they are in a learning tower.
- Always use supervision and be aware of what areas and items your child has access to when in their learning tower.
Best Learning Towers
1. Little Partners Adjustable Height Step Stool
Key Features
- Recommended for 2-6 years and up to 250 pounds
- Adjusts to four different heights to grow with your child
- Safety rails, handholds, and rounded edges offer additional security
- Greenguard Gold Certification
Why our experts love it
This learning tower has a very stable and secure design, is crafted out of wood, and the design looks great in any kitchen.
Pros – add-on accessories are available for separate purchase, including a silicone slip mat that provides a non-slip platform and an art and education board attachment.
Cons – on the bigger side, so won’t work as well for smaller spaces, very sturdy design can be harder for younger kids to move around on their own
Parent’s Review:
This is such a beautiful, sturdy, safe learning tower! My toddler LOVES it and so do I. We use it all the time. It is absolutely worth the money. Originally, my husband and I bought a knock-off version of this learning tower that was on sale from a different company and it was cheap and broke after just two months. Luckily, our toddler didn’t get hurt. I wish I had bought this learning tower from the get-go, even if it was more expensive. It is SO well made. The quality is wonderful. It’s a literal night and day difference from the knock-off we bought previously. We are so happy with our purchase!
Shelby
Little Partners Learning Tower
Designed by a Montessori school educator, the Learning Tower lifts your child to the kitchen counter height to encourage interaction and togetherness between children and parents.
2. Guidecraft Classic Kitchen Helper
Key Features
- Recommended for 2-5 years and up to 125 pounds
- Foldable, lightweight and easy to move and store
- Adjustable to two different heights
- Includes a non-slip mat and safety net for added security
Why our experts love it
We love this folding kitchen helper that gives you all the benefits of a learning tower without having to sacrifice space in your kitchen.
Pros – adjustable heights, folding capabilities, easy to move and store
Cons – can be difficult for kids to climb in on their own
Parent’s Review:
This thing is great! The only assembly to be done was screwing on the feet (if you have an impact driver it takes about 5 min) and beyond that came wholly assembled. Entire thing is made out of solid plywood, feels sturdy, easy to fold up and put away and heavy duty but light enough to move around. We used it the same day we got it for hand washing and my daughter loves it. She’ll hang out at counter height with me now as I cook and as she gets older I can see this being so clutch when I am teaching her how to cook.
Nancy Decker
Guidecraft Classic Kitchen Helper
This lightweight, adjustable learning tower for children ages 2+ is uniquely foldable for convenient storage. Available in 3 styles and a range of colors.
3. SDADI Adjustable Height Kitchen Step Stool
Key Features
- Recommended for 18 months to 3 years and up to 150 pounds
- Made from solid wood and has durable, non-toxic lead-free coating
- Adjustable to three different heights
- Additional safety features with the attachable anti-slip strips on four legs
Why our experts love it
An affordable choice that’s still sturdier than a plastic learning tower. Easy to assemble and wipes down easily for a quick clean.
pros – easy to assemble, minimalist design, affordable
cons – the top opening can be a bit small for larger or older kids, taller in size than other models so might not be able to fit under some kitchen islands
Parent’s Review:
We are avid cookers/bakers and our 19 month old LOVES her new step stool. She gets to be in the kitchen, “helping” us every step of the way now! I feel comfortable that she will be safe in it (as long as we can keep her from climbing on the outside-yay for toddlers)! It is sturdy, yet light weight enough that I can move it to various parts of the kitchen so that she can help at the counter or help do dishes, or whatever! What I especially liked about this one is that it is very sturdy and the shelf is adjustable–but the shelf is screwed in so it won’t slide out while she’s on it!
Kristal
SDADI Adjustable Height Kitchen Step Stool
Made from solid wood, the four-sided railings on this learning tower provide perfect support, while the side supporting foot and anti-slip strip attachments provide extra safety features.
4. Dadada Toddler Tower
Key Features
- Recommended for 2+ years and up to 100 pounds
- 3 adjustable heights
- Lead-free and phthalate-free
- Available in 6 colors
Why our experts love it
We love the Dadada Todder Tower’s modern look, variety of colors, and child-safe finishes, including lead-free and phthalate-free.
Pros – easy to adjust and durable design is easy to clean
Cons – does not fold for easy storage, lower weight limit compared to other brands
Parent’s Review:
I absolutely love this step stool! It was very easy to assemble, is light weight, and feels very sturdy. It’s been a challenge to find something that was reliable with a modern design. So happy with this product and would recommend for anyone with a toddler.
Tina A.
Dadada Toddler Tower
Provides a safe and secure way for toddlers to participate in learning and family activities. Easy to adjust so that growing toddlers can comfortably reach any table or countertop.
5. KidzWerks Child Standing Tower
Key Features
- Recommended for 1-5 years and up to 150 pounds
- 3 adjustable heights
- Made of birchwood plywood
- Includes four anti-slip pads, preventing sliding and floor scratches
Why our experts love it
We love the removeable safety rod for ease of getting kids in and out, as well as the easy grip handles on the side.
Pros – easy to assemble and move around as needed, minimalist design
Cons – does not fold for easy storage
Parent’s Review:
We have had this for about three months and we still love it. We use it everyday. Great to put my one year old to free up my hands to cook and clean in the kitchen. Also great for her to help out with things. It was easy enough to put together that I could do it while she was trying to help. It is also easy to move around.
Allyssa
KidzWerks Child Standing Tower
This toddler tower is the perfect height for your kitchen counter so kids can help out and join the fun! It also makes a great kids bathroom stool to help with hand washing or brushing teeth.
6. Boon PIVOT Toddler Tower
Key Features
- Recommended for 18 months to 4 years and weight limit of 150 pounds
- Easy folding design
- Non-slip feet
Why our experts love it
We love that the PIVOT toddler kitchen stool folds flat and tucks away easily, as well as its lightweight design.
Pros – lightweight, foldable, smooth surfaces are easy to wipe clean
Cons – lower weight limit compared to other brands, non-adjustable height
Parent’s Review:
I have been looking for a stepping tower for my toddler. But majority of them do not fold and is usually made of wood. This one is foldable and so sturdy! We love all of their products. And this one is on top of the list! My toddler loves to stand on it and I don’t feel uncomfortable for her to be on it without help. This is the best!
Anna
Boon PIVOT Toddler Tower
This sturdy toddler tower turns your kitchen counter into a learning center where you can encourage your child’s curiosity about cooking, baking and more.
