Toddlers are known to be very busy little people. At this stage, they are energetic and very curious about the world around them. Here’s everything you need to know about toddler learning towers if you’ve never heard of them. You will find plenty of helpful shopping tips if you are considering purchasing one.
Benefits of a Learning Tower
Encourages bonding with your child. As you go about your daily chores or do real-world activities, you’ll be able to keep your toddler safely by your side. Cleaning dishes or preparing food are examples. Helps nurture the desire to be independent and learn in a safer way.
Allows them to participate and engage in family activities without fear of slipping off a narrow or unstable platform. A learning tower is adjustable in height, unlike a step stool, so your toddler can grow with it.
Buying a toddler learning tower can be an investment in furniture that you’ll use for years. In order to get the most out of a learning tower and to get the best value for your money, here are a few things to consider:
Adjustability
It is very important to have a learning tower with an adjustable platform. In addition to extending the stool’s life, this feature provides extra support and security as your child grows. Adjusting the platform not only keeps your child at counter height as they grow, but it also keeps the safety frame or strap at a comfortable height so they are safe and secure.
Materials
It is important to consider what materials are used to make your toddler tower. Consider brands that use natural waxes and wood that has been finished and sourced responsibly, free of formaldehyde glues.
What is the best age for a Learning Tower?
Learning towers are wonderful for kids around 2 years to 6 years of age. Around 18 months, many parents begin using Montessori toddler towers with more frequent supervision, depending on size and development. Learning towers often have adjustable platforms, so you can easily change the platform height as your child grows.
How will my toddler use a Learning Tower?
A toddler learning tower, also called a kitchen helper, Montessori tower or toddler helper stool, is similar to a step stool in that you can use it to bring your toddler up to high spaces or counter height safely. There are many ways to utilize kitchen learning towers. Here are just a few examples.
Get in on the action – Kids love being helpful and a part of the team, so bringing them up to your level allows them to be a part of the team and gives them more control over their space.
Cooking and baking – Most Montessori learning towers are found in the kitchen. You can engage your kids in many activities while in the kitchen, and having them at your height gives you more freedom to work side by side with them.
Helping with daily chores – Sorting and folding laundry, washing and putting away dishes, cleaning windows!
Doing arts and crafts – Providing your child with art projects at counter height keeps them interested and engaged while they learn by your side while you prepare dinner or do other daily tasks.
Splashing in the sink – From handwashing to brushing teeth and washing their faces, a toddler tower will bring them up to a comfortable height where they can gain confidence in doing these tasks themselves.
Observing – Learning towers provide toddlers with a new perspective, bringing them up to your level (or making them taller than their siblings!) can provide a sense of accomplishment, independence, and confidence.
Finding that secret stash of Halloween candy – It’s important to remember that while learning towers provide a safer step up than a stool or kitchen chair, they still require adult supervision, at all times. With their newfound height and perspective, kids will be able to reach items that were once out of reaches, such as knives and hot stoves, so it is important to be close by, remove dangerous objects if necessary, and communicate with children about what they can and cannot do.
