What is a toddler learning tower? Let me tell you all about it!
It’s Thursday night, you’re in the kitchen prepping dinner and at your leg is a little toddler who is screaming their head off, wanting to be picked up. I’m sure you’ve been there too? You see our little people just need to be involved in what we are doing – it’s all part of their learning.
Now here comes the learning tower. Yes, you could use a chair or even a stool. But, if like me, you’ve had a few close calls to them slipping off – you know this isn’t the best idea. I’ve heard too many stories of kids falling off, breaking bones, or worst, trying to climb up the counters!
Safety is the MAIN reason a learning tower is THE best option for your child and your family.
Our little one when she was almost 2, enjoying our Simplay3 Toddler Tower! More about them below.
It changed our lives, literally. She was such a happy toddler! Worth every penny!
Are toddler towers safe?
Since we mentioned that safety is the main reason we love the learning tower, let’s talk about it.
A learning tower is a safe, secure platform made of hard plastic or wood. They secure your child by providing a safe space with barriers preventing any possible falls.
Some models can also grow with your child, by moving the adjustable platform which is a must for protection. As they grow, you want to lower the platform to prevent any tip-overs or from trying to climb out.
The learning tower raises your child to bench height enabling them to engage in the activities around them, like dinner prep or washing dishes!
When should I start using a tower?
Recommended age for a learning tower is approximately 18 months, depending on the model. As soon as your child can stand solidly and has an interest in joining the activities, I would start using a learning tower.
We purchased our tower a little late (sadly) – she was just shy of being 2. Do I ever wish we had started sooner!!
Is a learning tower worth it?
If you have a toddler, a learning tower is the best investment. I see this question a lot and it will be a personal choice of course! But for our family, it’s the best investment we’ve ever made. It is used daily in our house. Our favorite parenting hack by far, saving our sanity and providing a safe learning experience for our child.
Your child will enjoy being at level with you, seeing what you’re doing (learning by seeing), and participating when possible too! It’s been a lifesaver so many times, saving us from multiple tantrums but mostly giving her a tool to learn safely.
Something else to keep in mind – they can’t run off easily from a tower. So if you’re doing an activity like cutting bananas (with a safe knife for kids of course), they can’t start running around in the blink of an eye with the knife! Same for crafts – the tower contains the toddler and the possible mess. Your walls will thank you!
Also, consider the fact that you will use this tower for many years – up to age 5 on average. So if you’re buying this tower when your child is only 18 months old, you will definitely get your money’s worth and more.
We have the Simplay3 Tower and we know that the resale value will be good as after almost 2 years of hard use (and lots of water spills) it’s in mint shape.
What is the best learning tower?
Simplay3 Toddler Tower
Our top pick is the Simplay3 Tower. We have been using it for the last 2 years and we only have amazing things to say about it.
What we love:
- It’s slim. It can fit in tight spaces. Love that!
- It’s light. If my daughter is standing at the kitchen counter cutting bananas, I can easily push it over to the sink for her to wash her hands.
- Easy to wash. It’s made of hard plastic and has survived a multitude of spills (mostly water).
- Easy to climb in. My daughter could easily climb in and out by herself.
- Never toppled over. Like ever. And my daughter tried to climb it a few times.
- Adjustable height. Adjusts as your child grows. SO IMPORTANT for their safety.
You can purchase this tower online:
Wayfair Home Depot Target
Now if you prefer a wood version, here are our top picks:
Guidecraft – Classic Kitchen Helper
I love everything made by Guidecraft.
This is a superior quality product made of wood. It comes in 4 different shades (White, Ivory, Gray and Natural). I love the following:
- You can fold it flat
- Adjustable platform
- Anti-slip mat
Guidecraft – Kitchen Helper
Another great product made with solid pine wood. It comes in 5 different shades (Walnut, White, Ivory, Gray, and Honey). I love the following:
- You can fold it flat
- Adjustable platform
- Anti-slip mat
Etsy – Learning Tower by Happy Tower
If we were buying a new tower, I’d strongly consider this one. I really like this model and the reviews are phenomenal! I love the following:
- Slimmer design
- Adjustable platform
- Bonus – Chalkboard!
Learning Tower Activities
Here is a list of activities you can do with a toddler learning tower:
- Cooking and Baking
- Arts & Crafts
- Pretend Play
- Water Play in the Sink
- Helping with daily chores (cleaning, dishes, etc)
- Washing hands and brushing teeth
- Drawing on windows & mirrors
- Magnet play on the fridge
Here are some suggestions by age group:
18 months – 2 years
- Gross Motor Skills – Practice Climbing
- Fine Motor Skills – Practice the grasp, pinch, and more while helping with prepping food
- Practice washing hands
- Water play is so fun for this age!
2-3 years old
- Help with prepping food like washing, sorting, and possibly cutting (with a safe child tool)
- Brush their teeth
- Pretend Play – Wash the dishes
- Water play again!
3-5 years old
- Help prepping meals like stirring ingredients, etc.
- Rolling dough
- Practice washing dishes
What to look for when purchasing a toddler learning tower?
Here are my main recommendations when buying a learning tower:
- An adjustable platform is a MUST
- Narrow and slim
- Easy access – easy for your child to climb in and out
- Light – you don’t want to have to drag a heavy tower around the house!
- Very few gaps on all sides, other than the entry point.
- A folding model could be advantageous for space.
Toddler Learning Towers: Everything you needed to know!
I hope this post was helpful in your consideration of purchasing a learning tower for your child. One more thing – Consider the space in your home as well when buying the tower.
We have limited space in our kitchen so that’s why we are so happy with our Simplay3 Tower.
As you can see, learning towers are so much more than just cute pieces of furniture. Your child will love their new perspective of the world around them. You’ll quickly see that you’ll be using it multiple times a day, for all sorts of activities.
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