7 Best Toddler Learning Towers

If you’re a parent of a toddler, then you know firsthand that toddlers always want to see what you are doing and get involved. They love touching all the things and being right in the thick of things with you! So rather than trying to balance your toddler on your hip with one arm, while trying to prep dinner with the other arm, let your child get involved…safely! Invest in a toddler learning tower. They are a safe and practical way to help your toddler gain independence and life skills.

What is a learning tower?

Toddler learning towers are essentially sturdy step stools that are counter top height with a railing all around so your toddler can’t fall out. They provide an easy way for your toddler to safely stand at counter height. Making them the perfect addition to any kitchen island, kitchen counter or bathroom counter for those toddlers who love to help with cooking or cleaning.

Quite different than a small plastic step stool, learning towers are typically crafted out of wood, making them solid, well-built, and most importantly safe for your toddler. Toddler learning towers come in many sizes and colors, some even offer built-in activity centers.

Due to the high-quality materials and safety features, they often come at a higher price point than regular step stool. But don’t let the price fool you. This item is an investment for your child, home, and yourself that can be used for many years (and children) to come.

Why do I need a learning tower?

Toddler towers can give your child a sense of freedom and independence while freeing up your arms and giving you an entirely new set of toddler helping hands!

They allow access to areas in our home that are built adult-sized so kids can learn valuable life skills such as washing their hands, brushing their teeth, washing dishes, wiping counters and preparing food while feeling stable, safe and secure.

Learning tower benefits

Toddlerhood is a time of immense growth, development and learning. Learning towers offer so many amazing developmental benefits for toddlers.

Allowing children to get involved and help when they are young (even if it takes a bit more time and planning on our part) will create the habit of helping early on. This means your child will be more likely to grow up to be a team player and a helper in the family.

Specifically, toddler towers…

Support independence
Build confidence
Nurture developmental need to feel capable
Offer freedom
Provide a safe learning environment

Toddlers are capable of so much more than we give them credit for and it if we wait to have them help for the first time when they are in kindergarten or elementary school, we have missed the window when they are developmentally motivated to help.

Experts suggest that acknowledging your child’s curiosity and desire to learn by giving them opportunities to be independent, will help to develop their confidence.

If you are looking to give your toddlers safe spaces and opportunities to learn, setting limits with the use of learning towers will surely increase your child’s independence AND your peace of mind.

How do I keep my toddler safe?

Learning towers are much safer than step stools. It’s always important to use toddler towers with supervision, especially when your child is climbing in and out. Also, be sure to respect the age and weight limits.

It’s important to toddler-proof the areas that you are giving access to. for example, make sure sharp knives are out of reach, and don’t give access to the entire tube of toothpaste unless you want to see it all in the sink!

Top Picks

Best Folding & Most Popular – Boon
Best for Small Spaces – Little Partners
Best Small Business & Made in the U.S.A – Sprout Kids (Use code: TODDLER10 for 10% off)
Best Multi-function – Avenlur
Best for Twins – GuideCraft
Most Budget Friendly – Mangohood

7 Best Toddler Learning Towers (Reviews)

Toddler learning towers come in many different styles and sizes while offering all sorts of features. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the available options on the market, look no further. We’ve scoured the internet and found the 7 best toddler learning towers for little helpers.

Check out our reviewed list of our favorite toddler learning towers that are sure to offer something for everyone!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I also share affiliate links of other companies. This does NOT impact my recommendations as I only recommend products I believe in. Thanks for supporting Transforming Toddlerhood in this way.

1. Boon

The Boon PIVOT learning tower is my personal favorite! We own this one. It has 4.8 star rating and it’s the most purchased toddler tower on Amazon. Since learning towers can take up a sizable footprint in any room, finding one that can be easily stored is a major plus! We love that Boon’s learning tower is not only foldable, but easy to clean, and offers additional safety with non-slip feet.

Buy on Amazon

Pros: Most popular on Amazon, best folding ability

Cons: Lightweight making it not as sturdy as other available options

2. Little Partners

Another personal favorite, the Little Partners Explore ‘N Store Learning Tower is a fan favorite. I own this one as well. This toddler learning tower has a fully surrounded safety bar and is Greenguard Gold Certified. It also has a slim footprint, making it one of the most compact options and perfect for smaller spaces.

Buy on Amazon

Pros: Compact design, comes in neutral color choices

Cons: One of the heavier learning towers on the market

3. Avenlur

If you’re looking for a learning tower for your toddler that provides more than just a step, this is the one! The Avenlur 4-in-1 Kitchen Tower comes with a built-in chalkboard, desk table, and chair. Talk about a big bang for your buck! This learning tower will surely give your toddler lots of options to keep them occupied, busy, and playing independently.

Buy on Amazon

Pros: Best multi-functional learning tower, can be used as more than just a learning tower

Cons: Time-consuming to put together

4. Wood City

This Wood City Adjustable Step Stool for Toddlers is a fantastic option that offers easy to use adaptability. Whether you are looking for a learning tower for your child to grow with, or if you have multiple kids at home, this learning tower is a great choice and is easily changeable to adjustable heights.

Buy on Amazon

Pros: Easy adjustability for various heights to grow with your child

Cons: Some reviews point to it being unstable. Doesn’t have nonslip feet.

5. Sprout Kids

We love Sprout Kids products. And their Sous-Chef Toddler Tower doesn’t disappoint. This easy-to-clean toddler learning tower is made in the USA, is adjustable in height, and is built with 2 handles for easy and safe movability. I love the sleek look as it won’t be an eyesore in your house. Use code TODDLER10 for 10% off!

Buy on Sprout Kids

Pros: High-quality, small business brand, made in the USA, aesthetically please sleek look

Cons: One of the more expensive learning towers on the market

6. Guidecraft

If you have more than one child at home or twins, the Guidecraft Contemporary Double Kitchen Helper Stool is an excellent choice. Rather than having multiple learning towers, invest in this Guidecraft learning tower that will fit two toddlers at once (weight limit of 175 lbs.). It not only folds up for easy storage, but it has an adjustable platform to grow with your kids.

Buy on Amazon

Pros: Best for twin or multiple kids, foldable

Cons: Some reviews point out that kids can climb up the sides, posing a risk of falling

7. Mangohood

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, this one’s for you! The Mangohood Kitchen Step Stool comes at a very reasonable price tag compared its competitors. It has good reviews but since it’s made in China, we consider it a riskier option.

Typically products sold directly from Chinese manufacturers don’t have the same quality control as reputable brands outside of China, which have stricter internal quality control measures.

Buy on Amazon

Pros: Least expensive option making it the most budget-friendly on the market

Cons: Made in China, takes up a lot of space because the step is so large, some Amazon reviews report poor quality

Learning towers help everyone!

Learning towers are not only useful for your toddler, but they are especially helpful for YOU too!

Make parenting easier by freeing up your hands AND keeping your kids busy, engaged, and learning independently. Toddler learning towers may seem like an expensive item to purchase upfront, but they are surely a worthwhile investment that will be used for many years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can you start using a toddler learning tower?

Generally speaking, 18 months is an ideal age to start using a toddler learning tower. With that said, it’s important to check the brand for specifics to know for certain. You know your child the best, so choose a time based on your child’s stage of development and always use with adult supervision.

Are learning towers good for toddlers?

Learning towers are amazing for toddlers! They can help to build independence, increase confidence, and boost their natural curiosities.

How is a toddler learning tower different from a step stool?

A toddler learning tower is different from a step stool in many ways. Learning towers are much sturdier and more solid since they are typically constructed out of wood and have a safety rail. They are also countertop height.