If your toddler is your little shadow who wants to copy everything you do, it may be worth investing in a toddler tower. Inspired by Montessori ways of teaching, a tower is like a stool, although it has rails to make it safer. It will allow them to get them involved in everyday tasks. From chopping up vegetables with special kitchen knives and making cakes to cleaning the dishes and wiping down the worktops, they are brilliant for the kitchen, as well as over rooms in the house.
Toddler towers are a great addition to your kitchen, allowing little ones to get closer to the table or counter, safely. But they can also come with a fairly high price tag so it makes sense to save money where you can. This Black Friday, many retailers have slashed the prices of toddler towers so now is a great time to buy.
A learning tower also encourages independence as they will be able to do more things for themselves (and not just pretend to copy you in their play kitchen, for example), like wash their own hands, brush their teeth and reach for things unassisted, which should help their confidence to flourish and prepare them for that big step to nursery or school.
Many learning towers can be adjusted in height as your tot grows, so they will be able to get plenty of use out of it well into early and mid-childhood. Plus, a few of them even fold down compactly, which makes them a lot easier to store.
How we tested the best learning towers for toddlers
We tested a range of these learning towers with the help of children under five, who put them through their paces, primarily in the kitchen while assisting with cooking and baking. Our little testers, along with their parents, evaluated factors such as ease of assembly, ease of cleaning, and the tower’s strength and stability – especially when climbing in and out, with safety in mind. Additionally, testers considered the overall value for money, the tower’s size, its aesthetic appeal in the home, and how easily it could be adjusted as their child grew.
The best toddler towers at a glance:
• Best toddler tower overall: Stepup Baby Toddler Tower - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best adjustable toddler tower: COSYLAND Kitchen Kids Standing Tower - Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best foldable toddler tower: MEOWBABY Learning Tower - Buy on here from Meowbaby
• Best plastic toddler tower: HOMCOM Kids Standing Platform - Buy now on Amazon UK
To help you decide which option to go for, we've put together this selection of towers for toddlers, as well as a handy guide on what to look for. Check it out below.
The best toddler towers 2024
Best toddler tower overall
With an adjustable step and three height options, the Stepup Baby tower is absolutely worth the investment. "It feels sturdy and secure and without any loose movements," Mother&Baby Editor Maria said. Safety is paramount with this design, thanks to the handy back bar and wide standing area for little feet. We love that it's easy to manoeuvre and it takes just ten minutes to assemble (allen key provided).
Although it's designed to nestle neatly under kitchen counters, our tester found that it wasn't as snug fit as they'd like, commenting, "It nestles up against my kitchen counter, yet due to the handles on my kitchen cupboards, it doesn’t quite get under the kitchen counter." Our tester loved how it encouraged her tot to take an interest in cooking and bond at dinner time. "He tends to now just push the tower in place and ask to join in with cooking, prompting this inclusive nature." We also love how easy it is to wipe clean.
Read our full Stepup Baby Toddler Tower review
Pros
- Adjustable height options
- Non-toxic paint
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons
- Some kitchen handles can affect how well they fit under counters
Age rating: | 18 months - 5 years |
Size: | 42 x 42 x 85 cm |
Weight: | 6.5 kg |
- Natural plywood
- Back safety bar
- Adjustable height and step
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Best adjustable toddler tower
Cosyland's tower can be adapted as your little one grows; you can remove the four-sided safety rails once they have mastered their balance. It's easy to build and adjust as they grow, with a screwdriver, gloves and Allen key included. "I was able to build it myself and in about 15 minutes. It's super sturdy when all screwed together and looks great in our kitchen too," mum reviewer Annalise said.
It's designed to distribute weight evenly to prevent it from falling over, although some parents said that although it's easy to carry, its lighter weight makes it feel less sturdy. One mum tester said, "The whole thing feels good, but I really wish it would've been heavier. That would've made the whole thing a lot steadier. Don't get me wrong, it's steady, but I still feel like it could move if you have a strong baby (probably mum overthinking as usual)."
Pros
- Arch-corner design
- Can be adapted into a stool or side table
Cons
- A couple of users wish it was heavier for added sturdiness
Age suitability: | 18 months - 3 years |
Size: | 45.3 x 45 x 89.3 cm |
Weight: | 6.45 kg |
- Solid bamboo
- Rounded corners
- Non-slip feet
Best for design
This versatile 4-in-1 stool transforms into a children's table and chairs, a drawing board with a chalkboard, and a step stool, offering endless possibilities for learning and play without any tools. Designed for both fun and functionality, it features a spacious standing area with a safety handrail, making it easy for your child to reach the counter or sink while helping with chores. Perfect for encouraging independence and boosting self-confidence, this sturdy tower is made with solid wood and MDF, all certified to meet strict safety standards. As your child grows, simply remove the handrail to turn it into an adult ladder or a stylish shelf for plants or decor.
One satisfied mum reviewer said: "Loved this product! easy to assemble and very sturdy! Worths every penny! I don’t understand why more simple learning towers have the double price!"
Best plastic toddler tower
If you're after a plastic learning tower, this HOMCOM option is the one to go for. Available in three different colours, it has a non-slip surface, allowing it to be used all over the house with ease. There are three heights, which can be changed by removing the platforms (which is pretty straightforward to do).
"It was easy to put together - everything you need is included along with a spare bolt," said one mum. Having said that, some parents found the instructions a little difficult to follow. Unlike some of the others, it doesn't take up as much space, making it more suitable for smaller spaces. "It didn't take up too much space, and I don’t have that much space anyway. If you get the colour to match your kitchen, it will blend in nicely." Said one mum.
The main downside was the sturdiness, with some mums saying they had to add weight on the bottom to make it more sturdy, meaning it's probably more suitable for older, heavier kids.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Wipe clean surface
Cons
- Isn't the sturdiest option
Age suitability: | 18 months - 5 years |
Size: | 47L x 47W x 90H cm |
- Non-toxic HDPE
- Non-slip, grippy surface
- Trapezoid structure
Best adjustable height toddler tower
Made from wood, the KiddyMoon Kitchen Helper ranks high on durability. It's got long fins on the base that firmly hold the tower in place so that your little one can climb up and down safely. Plus, the lacquered surface is lovely and smooth, meaning there are no splinters! One mum tester said, "We bought this for our 10-month-old. She started walking at 9 months old, so she was more than capable of using the tower safely. She is a dinky girl, but since the tower has adjustable heights, she had no problem reaching the countertops whilst in it."
Available in four different colours, although it's stable, parents said it's still very lightweight and easy to move. They also found this easy to put together. The main downside is that some parents found their tot found it easy to escape. "I bought this brand toddler tower as was keen on having one with a back bar for additional safety. However, my 16-month-old knows how to remove it, and it makes zero difference as he just spends most of the time removing it and chucking it on the floor. He can also get himself out of it now without removing the bar (he’s 18 months now)."
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
- Durable fastenings
Cons
- Can't be compacted down
Age suitability: | 18 months - 7 years |
Size: | 49.4 x 39.3 x 91.5 cm |
- Safety roller (removable)
- Fins
- Screwed-in baseboard
Best foldable toddler tower
meowbaby.eu
Available in multiple colours, you can find a MEOWBABY learning tower to suit your personal sense of style and home décor. The steps are low to the ground, making it perfect for little feet, but you can adjust them as and when needed! Mums found this a game changer in the kitchen, with one mum saying, "The adjustable height is brilliant too, and he creates his own games on it when I'm busy (he sits down on the bottom step and uses the top step like a picnic table)."
If your little one loves to draw, you can choose the chalkboard option which we personally love. The main downside is that it's on the larger side compared with some other models, so many not be suitable for smaller kitchen spaces. "You do need a fair amount of space in your kitchen but it's so worth it if you spend a lot of time in there," said one mum.
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Wipe clean material
Cons
- Quite big so not suitable for smaller kitchens
Age suitability: | 2+ years |
Size: | 51D x 39W x 90H cm |
Weight: | 8 kg |
- Varnished wood
- Blackboard
- 3 adjustable steps
Temporarily sold out
With three removable safety bars, no sharp edges and a versatile design, it's no surprise our parent testers loved the Cara Mia Chef toddler tower. Ideal for use against countertops, our tester found it secure. Dad tester Tom says, "When the tower is up against the kitchen counter, it feels rock solid, and I don’t worry about my daughter’s safety."
The main thing our tester liked about this design was its adjustability. With three different height levels, it's made to grow with your child. "The bars can be removed for older kids who don’t need as much “fencing in,” which is great for transitioning from a toddler to a more independent child," Tom said. "We use it for our 3-year-old and our 18-month-old, and they both use it on the same height setting, which is great and makes it really versatile without having to adjust it. But having the potential to adjust the height means it will grow with them and offer greater longevity," he continued.
Although the website says it takes just 10 minutes to build the tower, our dad, tester Tom, found it took him a little longer. "If you’ve assembled flat-pack furniture before, putting this tower together won’t be much of a challenge. It took me about 30 minutes to assemble on my own, and the instructions were fairly straightforward. Just be ready to use some patience, as with most flat-pack items," Tom commented.
Easy to wipe clean, the durable materials were impressive, and even after a few months of use, there were no signs of wear and tear. Available in two stylish colours, it also fits into any decor easily.
Read our full Cara Mia Chef toddler tower review here
Pros
- Adjustable to allow for use by a range of ages
- Allows younger children to help out or be involved in the kitchen safely
- Spacious enough for children to move around in comfortably
- Easy to wipe down
- Neutral colour and design should work in most kitchens
Cons
- Takes up quite a lot of space in the kitchen
- Less stable when it’s not against a cabinet
Things to consider when buying a toddler tower
Size - When choosing a tower for toddlers, it's important to consider the sizing, as every child grows at a different rate, so some designs may be too big or small (depending on the child). Also, think about what room it will mostly be used in and whether it will fit comfortably in there - you don't want to have to move it out of the way every two seconds.
Weight - The weight is easy to overlook, but if you're going to be moving the tower regularly, you'll want it to be lightweight but still sturdy, of course!
Accessibility - Will your little one be able to use the learning tower with ease? Will they be able to climb in and out of it or move it without assistance? Don't forget to double-check the age ratings! If you don't want your little one too close to the oven yet, you can still get them involved with the process with their very own cooking set.
Features - Foldable learning towers are great if you have little space (as they're easy to store) or if you're worried about your little one using it unattended in places they shouldn't (like near the oven, for example). Adjustable designs are brilliant, too, as they will take longer for your child to outgrow, and you can enjoy baking with your toddler as they grow.
Structure - There are trapezoid and A-shaped towers, as well as ones which are built like normal steps. Like the sizing, it all comes down to the style of your kitchen and what shape would fit in it best.
Material - Materials that can be easily wiped clean would be perfect for a kitchen, as they could get messy pretty quickly, what with food and drinks likely to be spilt.
Style - Whilst your child is still young, the tower is likely to be a permanent fixture in your home, so it's important that you like the design. Lots of brands have multiple colour options, so you could find one that matches your home décor.
Are toddler towers safe?
Most toddler towers come with plenty of features including rails and bannisters, which often make them safer than stools and steps for children at this age, as it lowers the risk of falling or slipping. However, you should never leave your child unattended when using one if they're very young, as they could cause harm to themselves or others (especially near an oven or running water).
Many toddler towers are recommended for use with kids aged 18 months and up, as babies may not be able to support themselves enough yet to stand up unaided in the tower. Of course, parents know their child's capabilities best but stick to the age ratings that the manufacturer recommends.
If your toddler ends up regularly using the tower when you're not in the room, it may be worth putting a stair gate across so they can't get in and use it alone.
Toddler towers are safe when used under supervision and for the correct age. In fact, they have lots of benefits, including developing independence, and if your little one loves helping you cool, try making a healthy toddler recipe together to encourage healthy eating.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.