Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Towers
Parents considering a learning tower for the first time often have similar concerns about safety, sizing, and value. These questions come from real families navigating the decision between building versus buying, understanding age appropriateness, and maximizing the educational benefits of these Montessori-inspired tools.
The learning tower market has expanded significantly since 2010, with dozens of manufacturers now offering variations on the basic design. This growth has created both more options and more confusion. Below are detailed answers to the questions we receive most frequently from parents, grandparents, and childcare providers.
What is a learning tower?
A learning tower is a wooden step stool designed to safely elevate toddlers to counter height so they can participate in kitchen activities and daily tasks. It features safety rails and a secure platform to prevent falls while encouraging independence. Unlike regular step stools, learning towers have four enclosed sides that prevent children from stepping off the sides or back, with only the front open to allow access to the counter. The platform typically adjusts to multiple heights as children grow, and the wide base prevents tipping even when toddlers lean forward. Most models stand 36-40 inches tall and are constructed from solid wood or plywood to support weights between 150-250 pounds.
What age can kids use a learning tower?
Most learning towers are suitable for children aged 18 months to 6 years old, depending on the child's ability to climb and stand independently. Always supervise young children and check the manufacturer's recommended age range. The critical developmental milestone is whether your child can climb the steps and stand steadily without support. Some confident walkers begin using towers at 15-16 months, while others aren't ready until 20-24 months. The upper age limit depends more on interest and size than safety—many 7 and 8-year-olds still use towers, though they can also safely use regular step stools. Children typically outgrow learning towers when they can comfortably reach counters while standing on a single-step stool, usually between ages 5-7 depending on their height and your counter elevation.
Are learning towers safe for toddlers?
Yes, learning towers are designed with safety features like enclosed sides, non-slip surfaces, and sturdy construction to prevent tipping. However, adult supervision is always recommended when children are using them. The enclosed design prevents the most common step stool accidents: falling off the sides or back. Quality learning towers have a low center of gravity and wide base (typically 18-24 inches) that makes tipping nearly impossible during normal use. That said, no product eliminates all risk. Children can still fall if they climb on the rails, if the tower is placed on an uneven surface, or if they lean too far over the counter. Never position a tower near a hot stove, and teach children that the tower is for standing only, not climbing or playing. According to safety experts, proper placement and supervision reduce incident risk to near zero.
What can kids do in a learning tower?
Children can help with cooking, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and other counter-height activities that promote independence and life skills. Learning towers make everyday tasks accessible and engaging for young children. Specific activities include washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, pouring measured items, decorating cookies, kneading dough, arranging food on plates, and observing cooking processes. In the bathroom, children use towers to reach the sink for handwashing and toothbrushing without adult lifting. Some families also use towers for art projects at kitchen counters, science experiments, or simply allowing children to observe and ask questions during meal preparation. The key benefit is transforming routine tasks into learning opportunities where children develop fine motor skills, following directions, measurement concepts, and confidence in contributing to family life.
Should I buy a foldable or fixed learning tower?
Foldable learning towers work best for small kitchens, apartments, or families who need to store the tower between uses, while fixed towers offer maximum stability and require no setup time. If your kitchen is under 100 square feet or you lack permanent floor space for a tower, foldable models like the Little Partners Explore and Store collapse to 10 inches wide for closet storage. However, foldable mechanisms add $50-100 to the cost and introduce moving parts that can eventually wear. Fixed towers are simpler, often less expensive, and slightly more stable due to their rigid construction. Consider how often you'll actually move the tower—many families who bought foldable models report leaving them set up permanently anyway. If you have space for a permanent tower, fixed models offer better value. If you genuinely need portability or storage, the foldable premium is worthwhile.
How do I make an IKEA learning tower?
The most popular IKEA learning tower hack combines the BEKVÄM step stool ($30) with parts from the ODDVAR stool ($15) to create safety rails. You'll need a drill, saw, wood screws, sandpaper, and about 2 hours. The basic method involves cutting the ODDVAR stool legs to appropriate heights and attaching them as vertical posts at the corners of the BEKVÄM's top platform. Add horizontal rails between these posts at the back and sides, leaving the front open for counter access. Sand all edges thoroughly and apply non-toxic finish if desired. Detailed plans with measurements are available on sites like IKEA Hackers and various parenting blogs. The total cost runs $60-80, saving $50-150 compared to commercial towers. However, DIY versions lack the engineering testing and refined safety features of commercial products. Only attempt this project if you have woodworking experience and can ensure all joints are secure and no sharp edges remain.
What's the difference between a learning tower and a step stool?
Learning towers have four enclosed sides with safety rails that prevent falls, while step stools are open platforms that children can easily fall from. Step stools are appropriate for older children (typically 5+) who have developed balance and spatial awareness, but they pose significant fall risks for toddlers. A 2-year-old on a regular step stool can step backward off the edge, lean too far sideways, or lose balance and tumble. Learning towers eliminate these risks by creating a secure enclosure where the child can move and shift weight without falling. The tradeoff is size and portability—learning towers occupy more space and weigh 20-40 pounds versus 5-10 pounds for step stools. Some convertible models function as both, with removable safety rails that transform a learning tower into a step stool as children mature. For counter-height activities with children under 4, learning towers provide substantially better safety.
Are learning towers worth the money?
For families who prioritize Montessori-style independence and have children aged 18 months to 5 years, learning towers typically provide 3-5 years of daily use, making the $100-200 investment worthwhile. The value calculation depends on your parenting style and kitchen setup. If you cook frequently and want your toddler involved rather than entertained elsewhere, a learning tower transforms meal preparation from a logistical challenge into quality time. Parents report that towers reduce whining, eliminate constant requests to be held, and make cooking with toddlers genuinely enjoyable rather than stressful. The educational benefits—fine motor development, practical life skills, math and science concepts—are difficult to quantify but align with early childhood development research. However, if you rarely cook, have a tiny kitchen, or your child shows no interest in kitchen activities, the tower may sit unused. Consider borrowing one for a week to test whether your family will actually use it before purchasing.
| Safety Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosed sides | Prevents sideways and backward falls | Rails on all four sides, only front open |
| Wide base | Prevents tipping when child leans forward | Minimum 18 inches wide, 20+ inches deep |
| Non-slip platform | Keeps feet from sliding | Textured surface or rubber mat |
| Rounded edges | Reduces injury from bumps | No sharp corners on rails or platform |
| Stable steps | Prevents slipping during entry/exit | Deep treads (4+ inches), non-slip surface |
| Weight capacity | Ensures structural integrity | 200+ pounds for extended use |
| Non-toxic finish | Safe for mouthing/touching | CPSIA compliant, low-VOC finishes |
| Adjustable height | Grows with child | 2-3 platform positions covering 13-19 inches |
Additional Resources
Quality learning towers meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for non-toxic finishes and safe construction.
Look for ASTM International testing certifications that verify structural stability and safety performance.
The concept draws heavily from Montessori educational philosophy, which emphasizes practical life skills and child-led learning.
Learn More
Return to the home page to explore learning tower options, or visit our about us page to learn more about our mission.