Learning towers bring toddlers and little kids up to counter height, protect them from falling backward with their smart design, and let the kids help cook, play, or eat where the action is. They’re SO useful! Today, I’m sharing my favorites to fit a range of budgets and spaces.
Learning Towers for Toddlers
We love how a learning tower, which is essentially a stool with a guard on top to prevent falling, gets toddlers into the action. Little kids love to help and be with grownups in the kitchen, and this is the safest way to make that happen.
And since a learning tower (which is sometimes called a kitchen helper) will likely live in your kitchen for a few years, it’s a good idea to think through:
How much space you have.
How long you want it to last.
How many kids you think might use it.
This will help you think through your budget to pick the best one for your family. From an IKEA-hack option that starts with a $20 stool to a foldable yet durable mid-priced option, to the upper tier of learning towers, there is surely one to fit your needs and your budget!
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Toddler Stool vs. Learning Towers
You can use a regular toddler stool, but there are so many benefits to using a real learning tower. But honestly, my kids have unintentionally fallen backward off of stools enough times that I don’t recommend them. I 100% love the safety aspect that learning towers offer because while you still need to supervise children in the kitchen, there are times when you may need to leave their side.
It’s so nice that you can have them help with toddler activities in the kitchen, or simply play at the counter while you work, and you don’t need to stand right next to them the entire time for fear that they’ll fall.
If you want your toddler to safely be at counter height with you to cook (or to play while you cook), an actual learning tower is a must. This is probably the most used item in my kitchen!
Benefits of Learning Towers
They offer a safe way for toddlers to be at kitchen counter height without excessive worry that they’ll fall.
They allow toddlers to be part of the action when you’re cooking dinner, cleaning up, or are otherwise busy in the kitchen—and they love that!
They’re a great spot for toddlers to safely stand when they’re actually helping you cook (if you do that sort of thing with your littles).
Toddlers can climb in and out of a learning tower on their own, making it something they can take ownership of, which they love!
They can use a learning tower to wash their hands on their own and generally gain more independence.
Full disclosure: Guidecraft sent me one of their learning towers to try, and though I was honestly not looking for a new learning tower, we LOVE this one. It came nearly fully assembled. It took me just a few minutes to screw on the foot stabilizers.
You can adjust the height of the interior platform as the kids grow, it wipes down easily, and it isn’t too big for smaller spaces. Plus, you can fold it flat for storage, and it comes with a mesh back to prevent falls.
It’s also easy to move around if needed (I have felt coasters on the bottom of each foot) and is roomy enough for a toddler to stand in and use up until 4-5 years of age. (My 4.5-year-old uses ours regularly.)
Bottom line: This is affordable and well-made. It folds to store flat if needed and is big enough for a toddler to comfortably stand in it, but doesn’t take up too much space in the kitchen. Buy here.
We had our IKEA-Hack Learning Tower for 5 years and loved it—especially since it’s very compact and costs under $50 to make since you start with an IKEA stool and build a simple frame on top. It’s easy to move, easy for toddlers to get in and out of, and the perfect height for a toddler to stand at the counter.
It worked wonderfully for our first child. But… we had a different experience with our second who is a total climber. She’d regularly try to sit on the back bar, which is a problem since she could easily topple over.
(This is skinnier and narrower than the other learning towers in this guide, so it falls over whereas the others are unlikely to do that due to their design.)
Bottom line: It’s a great option if you’re on a budget and have a small space. Keep a close eye on how the kids use it to ensure it’s a safe option for your family. Expect your toddler to outgrow it by the time they’re 3 or 4. This is the how-to method we used (and that my dad used to make numerous towers).
This Little Partners toddler learning tower is usually thought of as the Rolls Royce of towers. Parents who have one swear by it and I’ve heard testimony after testimony of how durable and useful they are for years, and through multiple kids.
It comes in a few colors and the company also offers accessories like an easel, a busy board, and a nonslip mat to put underneath.
Bottom line: If space isn’t an issue and you want a learning tower that will last for years, this is a great option. Buy here.
This slim-design super durable stool is similar to a learning tower but sort of streamlined. It would be a great option for small spaces or older kids who still need a height boost–and it’s super durable.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for something that takes up less space but is still super safe, this kids stool is a great option. Buy here.
It’s a tower! It’s a table! It’s a chair! It’s so cool, is what it is. This is a great option if you want a multi-purpose piece of furniture that your toddler can use again and again. It also has three height settings, so you can adjust it to fit as your child grows.
Bottom line: This is a great option if you want a tower that can double as a kid-size table and chair set. Buy here.(sponsored)
With an adjustable platform (for three height options) and a foldable design that allows you to easily take this toddler tower in and out of the kitchen, this is another great option from Piccalio.
Bottom line: This is a nice choice if you want maximum versatility and ease of putting the tower away when not in use. Buy here. (sponsored)
A learning tower is one of the best ways to have toddlers and young kids safely up at counter height, allowing parents to have their hands free and kids to participate and be nearby. There is less risk of falling backwards, as there is with a chair or a regular stool, which makes them a safer option.
What age should you get a learning tower?
The average age that learning towers are designed for is a year and a half to two years. Each model has a different recommended age, so check the details when shopping.
Are foldable learning towers safe?
Typically, folding learning towers latch or screw into place securely, making them a safe option that is easier to store.
Best Tips for Using a Learning Tower
Plan to start around 16-18 months, or as indicated on the kitchen helper you purchase, and look at the accessories from each brand to see what additional safety options are available. (Guidecraft makes a mesh cover, so you can seal up one of the openings for added security while the kids are in it, for example.)
We keep our tower in a set place in our kitchen so our toddler knows where they can use the counter—and so I know where to keep things out of reach. Always check the weight limit and be sure that the standing platform is safely secured.
Wipe down the tower occasionally since it may get dusty or sticky, depending on how you use it.
If your child is using the learning tower unsafely—jumping on it, using it as a ladder to get onto the counter, trying to pull it over, I suggest putting it away for a few days or otherwise limiting their use to reset the behavior. They need to behave to earn the right to use it.
Check the dimensions to be sure it will fit into your kitchen, and consider how to share the tower if you have more than one kiddo. There are some options for a double-wide tower, but that works only if you have the space for it.
Use the tower as a sturdy place for your child to do simple hands-on activities while you cook (or activities like Baking with Kids, making Salt Dough, Cookies for Kids, or Graham Cracker Houses) so they can be nearby. It’s not just for cooking! (Many families also use it in the bathroom for brushing teeth.)
We have a cosco 2 step kitchen stool. Folds absolutely flat when not needed (essential in our small kitchen) and has a bar in the back to keep from falling. I use it all the time myself. Very sturdy
I was looking at the Guidecraft one because I wanted one that folded, but I ended up getting another one from Mommy’s Little Helper Co., and am so glad! It is sleek and modern and folds super flat for storage as well. For anyone interested, the site is http://www.mlh-co.com . I like the styling a bit better, and it’s pretty cool that they plant a tree for each tower sold.
Hi! Thanks for the suggestions!
I am debating between Guide Kraft and little partners. I guess the big difference is that Guide Kraft is foldable which is what I need as we have a small kitchen.. but I saw some reviews that it is not that easy to fold and the base is not sturdy like the one from Little Partners. Is that true?
I also love the aesthetic of the learning tower from audwell but I am not sure how good/safe it is .. do you happen to know this brand?
I have zero issues with the sturdiness of the Guidecraft base. We’ve used ours for over 3 years and it’s incredibly sturdy. The base does come up, though we use ours so much that we simply push it into the corner when we don’t need it rather than folding it (but I think it is easy enough). I also like that it comes with the mesh backing. I am not familiar with the other brand, I’m sorry! Honestly, both the Guidecraft and the LP options are really great and will last you. I do think the LP is a little bigger in size, which is why I didn’t go with that one since our kitchen is long and narrow.
Hi Amy! First, thanks for everything you do. We use your site multiple times a week, and I really appreciate your approach. We’re ready to get a kitchen helper for our new place that we’re moving into soon and are wondering if there’s any chance you have a referral code for a discount. Thanks so much!
Hi! I just checked and one I had from a bit ago still works for 15% off— it’s yummy15 to use on their site guidecraftkitchenhelper.com. (Price should be $169 after that.) Enjoy it and good luck with the move!!
Oh wow! Thanks so much for the quick response and the code.
Hi Amy, any chance you have another code? I tried yummy15 but it’s expired now. I just found this article and would love to order one for my daughter but hate to pay full price if I don’t have to! I second that we love your site. We use your recipes several times a week and would be lost without it! 🙂
Hi- I’m sorry, I don’t have a new one! And I’m so glad the site and recipes are helpful!
Can you use any of these at a younger age? My son is 9 months and loves being in the kitchen but wants to be held to watch what we’re doing. I’m guessing it’s still too early to use something like this for him though
They’re usually recommended at 14/16 months and up, or when kids are pretty stable standing up. There’s a guard that comes with some of them (like the Guidecraft one) that keeps kids from falling out the back, but it’s not 100% and I’m not sure it would be totally safe for younger kids. Maybe try putting him in the highchair right by you in the kitchen? We did that fairly often in the earlier months!
We have used the Inglesina Fast table chairs hooked onto our kitchen counter for our two little ones from the time they were able to sit on their own around 6 months old and still use them now at almost 2 years old. I’m just now looking at options for learning towers for them to also be able to stand at the kitchen counter rather than just sit. (I’m just reading this article now, so Haley’s 9-month old son is much older now but thought my comment might be helpful to someone else!)
Both Guidecraft and Learning Partners make a double, so it’s wider. I’d recommend looking into those since once the kids were about 2/2.5, it’d be tight to fit two of them in a single!
My middle kiddo was like this (I found her scaling bookshelves more than once!) and we actually had to put our tower away for a month. I recommend any of the ones on this list, other than the DIY IKEA one which would be easier for them to pull over if they are regularly enthusiastically climbing, and be very strict about not allowing them to use the tower as a means to get onto the counter. Take it away if they do it, remind them verbally, and trust that this phase will eventually pass!
Hi there, have you heard much or reviewed the Sprout Kids Sous Chef Toddler Tower? It’s an option we are considering but I really can only find reviews on the Little Partners learning towers.
I haven’t tried that one and I think it looks okay! The one thing I would mention is that I’ve found that ones that are skinnier, like this one, are a little more prone to being able to be pulled over. This tapers towards the bottom but is less wide than Guidecraft and Learning Partners just as something to keep in mind. Guidecraft does have a few single helpers in stock at their site guidecraft.com.
I have a 2 year old and a newborn. I want to get a learning tower for my 2 year old but know the little one will want to use it when he is older. Is it a good idea to get a double one now? I saw some on Etsy, since guidecraft is still sold out. I just don’t want to buy a 2nd one for the high price of at least $150
It could be a good investment to get a larger one now. I find that my kids prefer some space when we’re doing activities, so we actually trade off using the same one but that is possibly just based on their personalities. It would also depend on how much space you have in your kitchen!
Hi Amy! Since the Guidecraft Classic Kitchen Helper is sold out everywhere, would you also recommend the Guidecraft Heartwood Kitchen Helper Stool? Thanks!
You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the article you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.
We’ve used a learning tower for six months and it’s one of my daughters favorite spots in the house! She helps us cook and eats and plays while we’re making meals. She does also try to climb the counter tops so we need to adjust the platform but I still recommend these to everyone! I. Think the brand we ended up going with is kidzworkz. Found on amazon.
Hi! I’m interested in this solution for small spaces and turns to table and chair but the link to amazon didn’t work for me.. what is the name of the product? Thanks so much!
We have a cosco 2 step kitchen stool. Folds absolutely flat when not needed (essential in our small kitchen) and has a bar in the back to keep from falling. I use it all the time myself. Very sturdy
I was looking at the Guidecraft one because I wanted one that folded, but I ended up getting another one from Mommy’s Little Helper Co., and am so glad! It is sleek and modern and folds super flat for storage as well. For anyone interested, the site is http://www.mlh-co.com . I like the styling a bit better, and it’s pretty cool that they plant a tree for each tower sold.
Hi! Thanks for the suggestions!
I am debating between Guide Kraft and little partners. I guess the big difference is that Guide Kraft is foldable which is what I need as we have a small kitchen.. but I saw some reviews that it is not that easy to fold and the base is not sturdy like the one from Little Partners. Is that true?
I also love the aesthetic of the learning tower from audwell but I am not sure how good/safe it is .. do you happen to know this brand?
I have zero issues with the sturdiness of the Guidecraft base. We’ve used ours for over 3 years and it’s incredibly sturdy. The base does come up, though we use ours so much that we simply push it into the corner when we don’t need it rather than folding it (but I think it is easy enough). I also like that it comes with the mesh backing. I am not familiar with the other brand, I’m sorry! Honestly, both the Guidecraft and the LP options are really great and will last you. I do think the LP is a little bigger in size, which is why I didn’t go with that one since our kitchen is long and narrow.
Thank you for your response!!
Hi Amy! First, thanks for everything you do. We use your site multiple times a week, and I really appreciate your approach. We’re ready to get a kitchen helper for our new place that we’re moving into soon and are wondering if there’s any chance you have a referral code for a discount. Thanks so much!
Hi! I just checked and one I had from a bit ago still works for 15% off— it’s yummy15 to use on their site guidecraftkitchenhelper.com. (Price should be $169 after that.) Enjoy it and good luck with the move!!
Oh wow! Thanks so much for the quick response and the code.
Hi Amy, any chance you have another code? I tried yummy15 but it’s expired now. I just found this article and would love to order one for my daughter but hate to pay full price if I don’t have to! I second that we love your site. We use your recipes several times a week and would be lost without it! 🙂
Hi- I’m sorry, I don’t have a new one! And I’m so glad the site and recipes are helpful!
Can you use any of these at a younger age? My son is 9 months and loves being in the kitchen but wants to be held to watch what we’re doing. I’m guessing it’s still too early to use something like this for him though
They’re usually recommended at 14/16 months and up, or when kids are pretty stable standing up. There’s a guard that comes with some of them (like the Guidecraft one) that keeps kids from falling out the back, but it’s not 100% and I’m not sure it would be totally safe for younger kids. Maybe try putting him in the highchair right by you in the kitchen? We did that fairly often in the earlier months!
We have used the Inglesina Fast table chairs hooked onto our kitchen counter for our two little ones from the time they were able to sit on their own around 6 months old and still use them now at almost 2 years old. I’m just now looking at options for learning towers for them to also be able to stand at the kitchen counter rather than just sit. (I’m just reading this article now, so Haley’s 9-month old son is much older now but thought my comment might be helpful to someone else!)
Can you recommend any for twins? I have 19month old twins and wonder if any would allow for them to “safely” use at the same time.
Thanks!
Both Guidecraft and Learning Partners make a double, so it’s wider. I’d recommend looking into those since once the kids were about 2/2.5, it’d be tight to fit two of them in a single!
Hi!! My 20 month old is a climber, and man I have never seen a child climb like him!! What would you recommend for a climber like him? Thank you !!
My middle kiddo was like this (I found her scaling bookshelves more than once!) and we actually had to put our tower away for a month. I recommend any of the ones on this list, other than the DIY IKEA one which would be easier for them to pull over if they are regularly enthusiastically climbing, and be very strict about not allowing them to use the tower as a means to get onto the counter. Take it away if they do it, remind them verbally, and trust that this phase will eventually pass!
Hi there, have you heard much or reviewed the Sprout Kids Sous Chef Toddler Tower? It’s an option we are considering but I really can only find reviews on the Little Partners learning towers.
Thanks!
https://sprout-kids.com/products/sous-chef-toddler-tower
I haven’t tried that one and I think it looks okay! The one thing I would mention is that I’ve found that ones that are skinnier, like this one, are a little more prone to being able to be pulled over. This tapers towards the bottom but is less wide than Guidecraft and Learning Partners just as something to keep in mind. Guidecraft does have a few single helpers in stock at their site guidecraft.com.
I have a 2 year old and a newborn. I want to get a learning tower for my 2 year old but know the little one will want to use it when he is older. Is it a good idea to get a double one now? I saw some on Etsy, since guidecraft is still sold out. I just don’t want to buy a 2nd one for the high price of at least $150
It could be a good investment to get a larger one now. I find that my kids prefer some space when we’re doing activities, so we actually trade off using the same one but that is possibly just based on their personalities. It would also depend on how much space you have in your kitchen!
Hi Amy! Since the Guidecraft Classic Kitchen Helper is sold out everywhere, would you also recommend the Guidecraft Heartwood Kitchen Helper Stool? Thanks!
Yes totally, it is very similar! (The classic should be back in stock any day now…)
You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the article you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.
Always go after your heart.
We’ve used a learning tower for six months and it’s one of my daughters favorite spots in the house! She helps us cook and eats and plays while we’re making meals. She does also try to climb the counter tops so we need to adjust the platform but I still recommend these to everyone! I. Think the brand we ended up going with is kidzworkz. Found on amazon.
Awesome!
Could it be the Step’n’Sit from Ette Tete? See https://ettetete.com/?ls=en
Hi!
For small spaces quite convenient is this learning tower which converts to table and chair:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5TWNRV
That’s great to know, thanks for sharing!
Hi! I’m interested in this solution for small spaces and turns to table and chair but the link to amazon didn’t work for me.. what is the name of the product? Thanks so much!
I’d like to know as well!
I’m sorry, I’m not sure which product it was!
Hi Erica,
If you are still looking for a learning tower that transform into a table you can check also these products https://www.atvi.eu/en/kids-furniture/learning-tower/multifunctional-4-in-1/.
Regards and stay safe