The 6 Best Toddler Tower Designs for Independent Tots
Being a tot comes with a lot of (necessary) boundaries, but that doesn’t mean your little one can’t get involved in household tasks. Meet your curious kiddo at their level with the help of a toddler tower. These portable structures give your child a boost (so they can be at counter height) while offering a quasi-enclosed space for them to safely engage in busy work—whether that’s in the kitchen or elsewhere in your home. The teaching tool can meet the natural instincts of a child to move, explore and become a part of what’s happening in the household, says Pamela Green, a Montessori educator and the owner of Ananda Montessori, a playgroup based in northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s a win-win: They gain autonomy, and you don’t have to perpetually hold them up.
Ready to have your little one help you stir brownie batter, wash veggies and do other important tasks independently, while you watch? Below, browse our favorite designs available to shop now—plus, find out how to incorporate a toddler tower into your family’s living space.
We get it—toddlerhood comes with its fair share of gear, and it can be hard to find the best options for your family as your little one’s needs continue to change. To help you find the best toddler tower for your household, we browsed dozens of designs from leading retailers and trusted baby brands, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. Here’s how we did it:
- When sourcing toddler learning towers, we considered a list of criteria, like ease of use, quality and durability, value, style, size and, of course, safety features.
- We read user reviews to understand how these Montessori towers have worked for real families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
- We also chatted with a Montessori educator to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when shopping for and using a toddler tower.
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Learning towers can serve numerous purposes, whether that be as a bathroom step stool, a kitchen helping platform or a height boost for any teachable moments. Think one would make a great addition to your home? You’re in the right place. Below, find our favorite toddler learning towers on the market, for an array of styles and budgets.
Overall best learning tower
- Spacious enough for two children
- Easy to assemble and clean, according to reviewers
- Doesn’t fold
- Large footprint, according to some
Adjustable, sturdy, durable and aesthetically pleasing, this pick checks all of the boxes on our list when it comes to the best toddler tower. Created in part by a Montessori educator, this stable structure was designed with parent-child interaction and togetherness in mind. It features two steps—so little ones can climb in and out by themselves—as well as an open four-sided frame. Plus, reviewers say it’s super easy to keep clean, an attribute that Green says parents should look for in a toddler tower. The interior platform is even large enough for two children to stand on, prompting moments for sibling collaboration. It’s no wonder this Montessori tower is a parent-approved favorite!
Dimensions: 33.1" (L) x 23.2" (W) x 38.1" (H) | Weight: 30 lbs. | Weight capacity: 250 lbs. | Age rating: 2+ years | Material: Birch wood
Best toddler kitchen helper tower
- 2-in-1 design
- Three height levels
- Four contemporary colors
- Don’t expose to wet conditions
If your tot adores everything food-related, is itching to help you prepare meals or is just curious about what’s going on above their head, this pick has got you covered. This toddler kitchen helper tower will allow your kiddo to safely reach the counter, and it even comes with a kid-friendly wooden cutting device so your child can gain cooking confidence. Best of all, the 2-in-1 design transforms into a table and stool, so your tot can sit back, relax and enjoy their culinary creations.
Dimensions: 16” (L) x 16” (W) x 36” (H) | Weight: 15 lbs. | Weight capacity: 175 lbs. | Age rating: 18+ months | Material: Birch wood/pine wood
Best foldable learning tower
- Foldable for simple storage
- Removable non-slip platform mat
- Comes in six modern colors
- Mesh siding sold separately
Love the idea of a toddler tower, but not the reality of having it in your living space 24/7? Consider a foldable design, like this option from Guidecraft. The modern kitchen helper tower has an adjustable platform height to give your child the boost they need—a feature that Green suggests parents look for, as it will allow the design to meet changing needs. Even better, it features a stable base with non-slip feet and two gated sides to keep your kiddo secure. When teachable moments are finished, simply collapse this foldable learning tower and store it to easily reclaim your living space.
Dimensions: 23" (L) x 23" (W) x 36" (H) | Weight: 22 lbs. | Weight capacity: 125 lbs. | Age rating: 2+ years | Material: Pine wood
Best multi-purpose learning tower
- Roomy enough for multiple kids
- Features a slide and a chalkboard
- High price point
If you’re on the hunt for a toddler tower that can do it all, look no further than this pick from Cassarokids. The versatile design can be used as a boost in the kitchen, bathroom or wherever else it’s needed at home—plus, it doubles as a sweet play space. Your child will love getting down from their tower via the wooden slide, or expressing their creativity on the side chalkboard. No matter what your kiddo has in mind for the day, this toddler learning tower can be there to support them throughout their at-home routine.
Dimensions: 20” (L) x 18” (W) x 37” (H) | Weight: N/A | Weight capacity: 180 lbs. | Age rating: 12+ months | Material: Natural wood
Best budget-friendly learning tower
- Reviewers say it’s easy to assemble
- Lightweight, narrow design
- Affordable price point
- Not suitable for older tots and kids
Toddler learning towers can be pricey, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a stimulating, at-home Montessori environment for your child. Case in point: This budget-friendly option. The lightweight design has a narrow footprint so it won’t take over your living space, and you can count on the A-shaped frame to remain stable as your kiddo uses it. Bonus: Parents also love how straightforward this learning tower is to assemble!
Dimensions: 18" (L) x 18.1" (W) x 34.8" (H) | Weight: 14 lbs. | Weight capacity: 150 lbs. | Age rating: 18 months to 3 years | Material: N/A
Best learning tower for small spaces
- Compact design
- Step folds into structure when not in use
- May take a while to assemble
Last up on our list of the best toddler learning towers is this option that’s ideal for small spaces. The adjustable design features two height settings, allowing your child to easily access hard-to-reach spots whether they’re coming out of a growth spurt or just around the corner from one. To help boost your child’s independence, it comes with a wide step for them to climb into the learning tower that can be folded up when not in use. And when inevitable messes occur, simply wipe the structure clean with a damp cloth. We’re sold!
Dimensions: 22.3" (L) x 19.6" (W) x 33.5" (H) | Weight: 25 lbs. | Weight capacity: 150 lbs. | Age rating: 2+ years | Material: Birch wood
Toddler Learning Tower Comparison Chart
| Overall best learning tower | Best toddler kitchen helper tower | Best foldable learning tower | Best multi-purpose learning tower | Best budget-friendly learning tower | Best learning tower for small spaces | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Little Partners Kids Learning Tower | Piccalio Mini Chef Convertible Helper Tower | Guidecraft Contemporary Kitchen Helper Stool | Cassarokids Climbing Play Tower with Slide & Chalkboard | SDADI Kids Kitchen Step Stool with Safety Rail | Little Partners Explore n Store Learning Tower | |
| Price | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $ | $$ |
| Dimensions | 33.1" (L) x 23.2" (W) x 38.1" (H) | 16” (L) x 16” (W) x 36” (H) | 23" (L) x 23" (W) x 36" (H) | 20” (L) x 18” (W) x 37” (H) | 18" (L) x 18.1" (W) x 34.8" (H) | 22.3" (L) x 19.6" (W) x 33.5" (H) |
| Weight capacity | 250 lbs. | 175 lbs. | 125 lbs. | 180 lbs. | 150 lbs. | 150 lbs. |
| Foldable | ||||||
| Adjustable platform | ||||||
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Here’s something you may not know: The term “learning tower” is trademarked by Little Partners, a company that has created standout, Montessori-inspired baby and toddler gear since 1992. They pioneered the adjustable helper stool design, and many others have followed suit. As a result, the term is widely used to refer to this type of learning platform for tots—as well as other variations of the phrase, like toddler tower, toddler learning tower, helper tower and Montessori tower, to name a few.
You may still be wondering, what exactly is a toddler tower? In short, the structure is similar to a step stool, but it offers a few key differences. For instance, they tend to be taller, giving kiddos more access to areas that are hard for them to reach on their own two feet. Toddler learning towers are also equipped with safety features like rails and sides to keep little ones safe as they reach new heights.
So when can your little one use a toddler learning tower? Rather than looking at age, Green suggests taking into account the readiness of your child. Do they stand on their own, and are they stable on their feet? Are they able to crawl into the tower and pull themselves up? Keep in mind that every child reaches developmental milestones at their own pace, so there isn’t a standard age at which toddlers are capable of using a learning tower independently. “I would say that if a child needs to be placed into the learning tower, then they aren’t quite ready to use it,” Green adds.
Not sure where to incorporate a Montessori tower into your home? Follow your child’s lead, suggests Green. If your little one shows interest in working or playing up high and is in need of a supportive structure, that’s a great place to start. This could mean placing the learning tower in your kitchen, bathroom or even outside.
There are various benefits to using a toddler learning tower at home: For starters, it can foster your child’s independence, concentration, choice and collaboration, Green explains. To find the perfect fit for your family, keep the following features in mind:
- Lightweight. “The learning tower should be lightweight enough for a child to push and move, but have stability so that it won’t tip over,” says Green. This way, your kiddo can independently and safely use the structure with as little help as possible.
- Easy-to-clean. Your tot’s learning tower is bound to see some spills and messes, especially if it’s being used in the kitchen. With that in mind, Green recommends looking for a structure that’s simple to clean, so that you (or your child!) can do so easily.
- Adjustable. Learning towers are investment pieces of toddler gear, so you’ll want to make sure the design you choose will last your kiddo for a while. Green suggests opting for a Montessori tower that has an adjustable platform so that you can modify the height to meet your child’s changing needs.
- Safety. Above all else, make sure the toddler tower you have your eye on is safe for your child to use independently. Green suggests picking a design that has rounded, smooth edges and surfaces, and steps with grip tape. Moreover, look for a tower that has a sturdy, balanced foundation.
Overall, remember that when it comes to safely using a toddler learning tower, parent supervision is paramount. “Be observant to the needs and abilities of your child,” says Green, adding that you should “always be available to guide and assist as necessary.” This translates into giving your kiddo the freedom to explore their curiosities in a safe, stable way, with you by their side when they need a bit of help.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Pamela Green, is the owner of [Ananda Montessori, a Montessori playgroup based in northeastern Pennsylvania. She has decades of experience as a Montessori teacher and administrator, as well as a positive discipline parent educator.
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
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