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7 best learning towers to help kids learn kitchen skills
Give your toddler a boost, even if you have a small space
Tutti Bambini Helping Hands Montessori Toddler Learning Tower
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As part of the parenting trend toward all things Montessori (a child-centered approach to learning), parents are investing in learning towers. They're sturdy step stools with guardrails designed to boost toddlers and preschoolers high enough so they can watch their parents work in the kitchen and even safely get stuck in with certain tasks.
"My boys, aged two and four, love to help me stir, add ingredients and taste-test," said one mum who told us she owns two towers, one for each child. Another said, "Our 23-month-old stands on one and we give her things for pretend-cooking, like a sweet potato and some chopsticks." The chid stays busy and close, and maybe picks up new skills and vocabulary in the process.
Whether you want them to join in on bakes, or empower them to make their own breakfast, we've rounded up the best learning towers below, but regardless of which one you choose, parents should always supervise their child while using. It takes some patience to teach kids not to climb on the sides of their tower or rock back and forth, which could tip a tower over. You also want to make sure they don't use it to get to the hob, when left to their own devices.
However, once the ground rules are in place, you'll wonder how you ever managed without one.
Give your little one a safe place to stand in the kitchen with this solid tower from Great Little Trading Co.
Made from sturdy MDF, it features a grooved, anti-slip surface, and the step is adjustable, so it can grow with your child. The best bit? There's a chalk board on the reverse, making this a versatile piece of furniture they'll love for years to come.
This stylish, streamlined learning tower from Tutti Bambini, has a helpful step for little ones to hoist themselves up with. And while it can't be folded or tucked away, it's nice and sturdy, and comes with a three-year warranty.
Made from sturdy and durable beech wood, this learning tower will look beautiful in any home. It features a sweet dog design, with gentle kid-friendly curves and felt ears to grab onto as they climb up. The adjustable height makes it suitable for children of various ages too.
This wooden tower can fold up like an accordion when you're not using it. It easily fits in narrow gaps beside the fridge or pantry, too. This feature isn't just ideal for small spaces — it's also great for those who simply prefer a more streamlined look in their kitchen.
There's a non-slip mat and two clip-on safety nets for the sides, for extra security. They're nice add-ons that you don't get with other learning towers. The platform adjusts to be either 41 or 47 centimetres off the ground. One downside is that kids may need assistance climbing into it as there isn't a bar for them to grab onto to hoist themselves up. It's sold in natural wood (pictured), grey and white finishes.
The height-adjustable foot plate can be used in three positions, sturdily holding children up to 40kg. We also like the handles at the top, which make it easier to move from the kitchen to the bathroom with ease. Simple but effective.
Short on space? Opt for this simple step stool, which folds up when it's not in use. Made from FSC-certified wood, we appreciated the modern design and were reassured by the rubber non-slip feet.
With rounded corners and splayed anti-slip feet, we're confident this wooden tower will keep them safely at counter-top height. In fact, it's so sturdy it claims it can hold an adult (handy for changing the lightbulb!).
The adjustable three-level platform should cater for children from 18-months to 3-years-old.
What to look for when shopping for the best learning tower
✔️ Adjustable height capabilities allow learning towers to grow with your child, and lets multiple children of various heights use it.
✔️ Foldability makes storage easier in smaller spaces. It's also a great feature for those who prefer a more minimalist kitchen.
✔️ Footprint matters when you live in a flat or smaller home, but bigger models usually mean extra features like a chalkboard or accessories to keep your child engaged.
✔️ Steps are nice to have to help your child get in and reach the appropriate height. Any grips on the treads are a bonus to help prevent mishaps.
✔️ Sturdiness is a very important safety consideration. Wooden learning towers tend to be more stable than plastic ones.
Is a learning tower worth it?
Inspired by the Montessori methods of teaching, a learning tower is designed to help kids learn and explore. They allow your child to see at tabletop height, alongside you, while under your watchful gaze.In a busy kitchen, a learning tower can help children safely access the work surfaces and feel more on a level with adults, which is good for confidence.
What age are learning towers best for?
Always adhere to a brand's age and weight specifications. Many have a starting age of 18 months or two-years-old. However, every child is different, and parents will know best whether or not a learning tower is intellectually and physically developmentally appropriate for their child.
Are learning towers safe?
Always watch your child when they're using a learning tower. We've found them generally sturdy and sound, but little kids can be unpredictable.
"My daughter got so excited about her new learning tower that she climbed it wildly, all over, from every direction. She wanted to sit on the slim rim on top, she wanted to lean out to one side and yank on it, she climbed up one side and down the other side. She did everything except enter carefully through the front," one parent told us. "I lowered the platform, which made it harder for her to climb. But it did fall over once while she exercised on her "new playground". After about a week, she knew how to use it correctly. And in retrospect, it was very sturdy to put up with all of her climbing."
Though learning towers are designed to foster a sense of independence, they might also provide a false sense of security. They are not the equivalent of a highchair, which restricts movement with a belt. Also, learning towers can help your child reach areas you don't want them to touch. So in order to raise your independent kid, you're going to have to watch them like a hawk and teach them the rules.
How to keep kids safe in a learning tower
To maximise security when using a learning tower, we recommended the following.
- Regularly inspect the unit to make sure all parts are appropriately fastened and screwed tightly and that there are no splinters or visible damage. We don't blame parents for looking for used learning towers, but be extra careful you're not getting one with wear and tear.
- Sign up for recall notifications of children's products.
- Be mindful of what is near or within reach — knives, a hot pan, a breakable glass or anything you don't want them to touch.
- Remember that parental supervision is essential. Learning towers are not designed for a child to use alone.
- Follow all maximum weight and height specifications. Also, if you have a tall kid and their knee is above the frame of the tower, they could fall out and you should discontinue use and switch to a simple step stool.
- Be careful when it comes to DIY. In general, we recommend purchasing child-specific products from reliable brands that do appropriate testing. The internet is full of DIY ideas and IKEA hacks for learning towers, but you'll be gambling with safety when you're making one yourself, unless you're handy and knowledgeable about making children's furniture.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents.
Jamie (she/her) is the former parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has also worked a BuzzFeed and People. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.
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