How a Toddler Tower Transforms Your Child's Development

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If toddler towers have been popping up on your Instagram For You page, you may wonder if they're worth the hype—and the investment. Kimberly King—a parenting expert, coach, and author—found herself asking the same question."When I first saw one of these countertop contraptions, I was skeptical," she admits. "It looked like an overpriced step stool. But after just a week of watching my toddler climb up, help stir pancake batter and proudly declare, 'I'm big now!' I was sold."

If you’re considering a toddler learning tower for your little one, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from creative uses to the developmental benefits they offer.

What is a toddler tower and how does it help?

Haley DeSousa, M.Ed., who leads Curriculum and Instruction at Haven Collective—a workspace designed for parents—describes a toddler tower as a safe, enclosed platform that helps children reach counter height.

She notes, "Unlike a simple stool, a learning tower provides kids with the stability and freedom they need to engage in daily activities like baking, washing dishes, and crafting alongside their caregivers."

Toddler towers come in various price ranges and materials, each offering different features based on the model. Some models even have adjustable heights and can be conveniently folded for storage. Your kiddo can climb up and start benefitting from a toddler tower as soon as they're standing and walking fairly steadily, from around 18 months old. It's the perfect time to introduce a bit more independence as your child reaches new developmental milestones, like being able to follow simple directions.

Benefits of toddler towers

According to De Sousa, toddler towers come with several core benefits. These include boosting safety, encouraging independence, increasing engagement, and aiding in learning. Here’s a detailed look at the importance of each benefit.

Safety

First and foremost, De Sousa points out that toddler towers are safe for little ones to use. "Unlike shaky chairs or climbing on drawers, helper towers provide children with a stable and secure area to reach counter height without the ongoing concern of them tipping over or falling," she explains. "Most designs feature guardrails, so you can let them explore independently without worrying about them stepping off!"

Independence

Toddler towers are fantastic tools for promoting independence in young children. As DeSousa explains, "Toddlers enjoy doing things on their own, and these towers allow them to climb up, wash their hands, assist with snack preparation, or simply observe what’s happening at adult height—without needing to be lifted or carried. It’s a straightforward way to communicate, 'You’re capable. You belong here.'"

Encouragement

DeSousa also highlights that toddler towers play a significant role in motivating toddlers to participate in cooking, cleaning, and other household activities. "They transform everyday chores into chances for bonding," she notes. "Instead of trying to keep them entertained while you prepare dinner, they can join you right there—mixing ingredients, peeling vegetables, or just watching. This keeps them engaged and fosters a sense of contribution."

Learning

DeSousa explains that when toddlers participate in daily activities, they engage in a lot of organic, hands-on learning. "Being at the height of the counter allows them to explore a whole new range of sensory and cognitive experiences," she says. "They can touch different food textures, observe how ingredients transform while cooking, hear new words, and learn about sequencing and cause-and-effect as they follow along with you."

Developmental benefits of using a toddler tower

Motor skills

Toddler towers are beneficial for development in various ways. According to DeSousa, one key benefit is the improvement of motor skills. "They provide a natural setting where kids can develop fine motor abilities—such as pinching, pouring, stirring, washing, and transferring—using actual tools rather than just playthings," she notes. "Because they are engaged in purposeful tasks, the learning resonates with them. It’s not just a lesson; it’s a life experience, which represents the best kind of early learning."

Confidence and independence

According to King, toddler towers foster a sense of independence in toddlers, which in turn boosts their confidence. She notes, "Every time toddlers exclaim, 'I did it!' they build their confidence. At the same time, parents enjoy about five extra minutes of calm while their kids joyfully mix flour without care."

Access and security

"Toddler towers give children both access and security," explains DeSousa. "Unlike an open stool, they provide a safe space to stay engaged longer and with more confidence, which naturally encourages greater independence, collaboration, and curiosity."

Basic life skills

King points out that when toddlers frequently use toddler towers, they pick up essential life skills along the way. "Toddler towers allow children to engage in real-life activities, teaching them useful skills such as washing vegetables, trying to crack eggs, and mixing ingredients," she notes. "These simple tasks encourage a sense of responsibility and teamwork."

Activities to do with your toddler using a learning tower

Cooking and baking

There are many activities that you can do with your toddler using a learning tower. For starters, you can use it as a kitchen helper. "Children love being invited into everyday household activities," says Jill Lerman, a play expert, parenting coach, and early childhood educator. "Having a tower allows your child to be safely at counter height so they can see what you’re doing, or get involved in kitchen tasks themselves."

Arts and crafts

There are plenty of fun arts and crafts activities to enjoy with your toddler. Lerman mentions that these include different types of sensory play like water activities, making slime, or working with playdough. "You can also dive into creative projects such as painting, coloring, using stickers, threading beads, or trying out some easy science experiments," she suggests.

Washing hands and face

"A tower brings your child to counter height, so it's a great way to support personal hygiene skills like handwashing before meals, after using the bathroom, etc," explains Lerman. "It can also be used in the bathroom for brushing teeth."

Helping with chores

Lerman suggests that using a toddler tower can help your little one participate in household chores, which is beneficial for their development. She mentions that tasks such as wiping surfaces, picking up toys and books, sorting laundry, putting clothes in the hamper, and assisting with groceries are excellent ways to encourage independence and boost confidence.

Safety considerations when using a toddler tower

Supervision is key

Supervision is crucial when your child is using a toddler tower, according to King. "Make sure you always supervise your child, set the tower on a flat and stable surface, and choose one with safety rails on every side," she recommends. "Without supervision, toddlers can use the tower to reach countertops or stoves. To prioritize safety, consider securing or blocking off any nearby appliances and ensure that the tower is only used under adult supervision."

Choosing a safe tower

King emphasizes the importance of selecting a safe toddler tower. She suggests looking for one that has a wide base, is made from sturdy materials, and includes anti-tip features. Additionally, she advises opting for designs that have smooth edges and few pinch points to enhance safety.

Proper usage

To ensure safe use of a toddler tower, it's essential to establish clear guidelines right from the start. According to King, you should explain to your child that they can only climb when an adult is nearby. "Emphasize that their feet must stay on the platform—no jumping, leaning, or climbing over the edges—and remind them to use both hands when getting in and out," she suggests.

Additionally, it's beneficial to practice using the tower together with your toddler. King recommends holding your child's hand during these practice sessions. Be sure to offer plenty of encouragement for safe behavior, such as saying, "Great job holding on with both hands!" Also, remember to store the tower away when it’s not in use to indicate that it’s not meant for unsupervised play.

Creating a safe environment

When using a toddler tower, it's important to keep the surrounding environment safe. According to King, one effective way to do this is by adding a non-slip mat in areas that might be slippery, such as next to a sink. "It's also beneficial to clear off counters of any other dangers," she adds.

The bottom line

Toddler towers are more than just a kitchen tool—they're a little hub where kids can build their confidence, improve their coordination, and unleash their creativity," she says. "Just remember, even with a toddler tower, it's important to keep the kitchen safe. These towers can give a false sense of security, making it easy to forget that kids might still try to climb on other things."

Experts

• Kimberly King is a parenting expert, coach, and author.
• Haley DeSousa, M.Ed., is the head of curriculum and instruction at Haven Collective, a workspace for parents.
• Jill Lerman is a play and parenting coach, early childhood educator, and play expert.