Boost their learning with the best toddler towers picked by parents

Best toddler towers for helpful little ones

by Arabella Horspool |
Updated on

Has your toddler started mimicking your every move? If so, it may be time to invest in a learning tower. Inspired by Montessori way of teaching, a toddler tower is similar to a stool, but it's taller and comes with rails for safety. It offers a safe way to involve toddlers in daily activities like chopping up vegetables and cleaning the dishes as well as brushing their teeth.

A learning tower also encourages independence as they will be able to do more for themselves (and not just copy you in their play kitchen), like wash their own hands and reach for things unassisted, which should help their confidence to flourish and prepare them for that big step to nursery or pre school.

Many learning towers can be adjusted in height as your tot grows, so they'll be able to get plenty of use out of it. Plus, a few of them even transform into tables and fold away making them easy to store when not in use.

Before you make your purchase, ensure it's right for your tot by basically check it's age-appropriate. While they come with safety features like locks and rails, you should never leave your child unattended in one.

The best toddler towers at a glance:

Best toddler tower overall: Stepup Baby Toddler Tower - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best adjustable toddler tower: COSYLAND Kitchen Kids Standing Tower - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best foldable toddler tower: MEOWBABY Learning Tower - Buy on here from Meowbaby
Best plastic toddler tower: HOMCOM Kids Standing Platform - Buy now on Amazon UK

How we chose and tested the best learning towers for toddlers

Best toddler towers
Find out how our real parent testers found these toddler towers when using with their helpful little ones! ©Mother&Baby

Like all our product recommendations, the best learning towers for toddlers are chosen based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field, to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product.

At times when we can’t get our hands on something personally, we’ll select products only from reputable brands, scouring reviews, forums and real parent experience to ensure all products are fit for use and deserve a space in your home.

For the best learning tower for toddlers, we tested a range of these learning towers with the help of children under five, who put them through their paces, primarily in the kitchen while assisting with cooking and baking. Our little testers, along with their parents, evaluated factors such as ease of assembly, ease of cleaning, and the tower’s strength and stability – especially when climbing in and out, with safety in mind. Additionally, testers considered the overall value for money, the tower’s size, its aesthetic appeal in the home, and how easily it could be adjusted as their child grew.

To help you decide which option to go for, we've put together a list of towers for toddlers as well as a handy buying guide.

The best toddler towers 2025

Best toddler tower overall

Expert rating:
4.0
Mother&Baby Editor, Maria Martin's son Parker using the Toddler tower Step UpMOTHER&BABY

Rrp: $155.00

Price: $129.95

With an adjustable step and three height options, the Stepup Baby tower is absolutely worth the investment. "It feels sturdy and secure and without any loose movements," Mother&Baby Editor Maria said. Safety is paramount with this design, thanks to the handy back bar and wide standing area for little feet. We love that it's easy to manoeuvre and it takes just ten minutes to assemble (allen key provided).

Although it's designed to nestle neatly under kitchen counters, our tester found that it wasn't as snug fit as they'd like, commenting, "It nestles up against my kitchen counter, yet due to the handles on my kitchen cupboards, it doesn’t quite get under the kitchen counter." Our tester loved how it encouraged her tot to take an interest in cooking and bond at dinner time. "He tends to now just push the tower in place and ask to join in with cooking, prompting this inclusive nature." We also love how easy it is to wipe clean.
Read our full Stepup Baby Toddler Tower review

Pros

  • Adjustable height options
  • Non-toxic paint
  • Easy to wipe clean

Cons

  • Some kitchen handles can affect how well they fit under counters
Age rating:18 months - 5 years
Size:‎42 x 42 x 85 cm
Weight:6.5 kg
  • Natural plywood
  • Back safety bar
  • Adjustable height and step

Best adjustable toddler tower

COSYLAND Kitchen Kids Standing Tower in a kitchen with a toddler COSYLAND

Cosyland's tower can be adapted as your little one grows; you can remove the four-sided safety rails once they have mastered their balance. It's easy to build and adjust as they grow, with a screwdriver, gloves and Allen key included. "I was able to build it myself and in about 15 minutes. It's super sturdy when all screwed together and looks great in our kitchen too," mum reviewer Annalise said.

It's designed to distribute weight evenly to prevent it from falling over, although some parents said that although it's easy to carry, its lighter weight makes it feel less sturdy. One mum tester said, "The whole thing feels good, but I really wish it would've been heavier. That would've made the whole thing a lot steadier. Don't get me wrong, it's steady, but I still feel like it could move if you have a strong baby (probably mum overthinking as usual)."

Pros

  • Arch-corner design
  • Can be adapted into a stool or side table

Cons

  • A couple of users wish it was heavier for added sturdiness
Age suitability:18 months - 3 years
Size:‎45.3 x 45 x 89.3 cm
Weight:6.45 kg
  • Solid bamboo
  • Rounded corners
  • Non-slip feet

Best toddler tower for design

4-in-1 Learning Standing Tower with ChalkboardImage: Amazon

This versatile 4-in-1 stool transforms into a children's table and chairs, a drawing board with a chalkboard, and a step stool, offering endless possibilities for learning and play without any tools. Designed for both fun and functionality, it features a spacious standing area with a safety handrail, making it easy for your child to reach the counter or sink while helping with chores. Perfect for encouraging independence and boosting self-confidence, this sturdy tower is made with solid wood and MDF, all certified to meet strict safety standards. As your child grows, simply remove the handrail to turn it into an adult ladder or a stylish shelf for plants or decor.

One satisfied mum reviewer said: "Loved this product! easy to assemble and very sturdy! Worths every penny! I don’t understand why more simple learning towers have the double price!"

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Very sturdy
  • Safety clips are easy for an adult to use and difficult for a toddler.

Cons

  • Not collapsible 
Weight limit:‎110 lb
Material:Wood
Item weight:5.71 kg
Item dimensions:80 x 42 x 60 cm

Best plastic toddler tower

White HOMCOM Kids Standing PlatformAmazon

If you're after a plastic learning tower, this HOMCOM option is the one to go for. Available in three different colours, it has a non-slip surface, allowing it to be used all over the house with ease. There are three heights, which can be changed by removing the platforms (which is pretty straightforward to do).

"It was easy to put together - everything you need is included along with a spare bolt," said one mum. Having said that, some parents found the instructions a little difficult to follow. Unlike some of the others, it doesn't take up as much space, making it more suitable for smaller spaces. If you get the colour to match your kitchen, it will blend in nicely." Said one mum.

The main downside was the sturdiness, with some mums saying they had to add weight on the bottom to make it more sturdy, meaning it's probably more suitable for older, heavier kids.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Wipe clean surface

Cons

  • Isn't the sturdiest option
Age suitability:18 months - 5 years
Size:47L x 47W x 90H cm
  • Non-toxic HDPE
  • Non-slip, grippy surface
  • Trapezoid structure

Best versatile toddler tower

Children playing on a learning Wooden Tower with Chalkboard, Foldable Toddler TableAmazon
Price: $79.99

Much-loved by parents because of its adorable design, the step stools safely bring your child to counter height and allow them to explore their surrounding and get involved. It's light enough to move, but heavy enough to be secure. The handy 2 in 1 set means it can be converted into a useful children's table and chairs perfect for arts and crafts.

As you'd expect, it comes with a safety handrail and rounded and smoothed edges to prevent any bumps. One thing we love about it, is that when your toddler outgrows it, it can be used as an adult ladder stool or a decor shelf.

The majority of parents loved the cute design, durability and how easy it was to assemble but one pointed out that the chalkboard wasn't so much a chalkboard, but wood painted black so didn't function well. Another raved about how it was the" item I didn't realise I needed until it arrived."

Pros

  • Easy assemble and straight-forward
  • Can be converted into a table and chairs as well as a drawing board
  • When outgrown, can be used as a step ladder or shelf for decor/plants

Cons

  • Quite light
Weight limit:110 lbs (50kg)
Measurements:38.4 x 42.01 x 87 cm
Weight of stool:6.69 kg
  • Chalkboard included
  • Removable handrail
  • Gender neutral design

Best adjustable height toddler tower

Grey KiddyMoon Kitchen HelperAmazon

Made from wood, the KiddyMoon Kitchen Helper ranks high on durability. It's got long fins on the base that firmly hold the tower in place so that your little one can climb up and down safely. Plus, the lacquered surface is lovely and smooth, meaning there are no splinters! One mum tester said, "We bought this for our 10-month-old. She started walking at 9 months old, so she was more than capable of using the tower safely. She is a dinky girl, but since the tower has adjustable heights, she had no problem reaching the countertops whilst in it."

Available in four different colours, although it's stable, parents said it's still very lightweight and easy to move. They also found this easy to put together. The main downside is that some parents found their tot found it easy to escape. "I bought this brand toddler tower as was keen on having one with a back bar for additional safety. However, my 16-month-old knows how to remove it, and it makes zero difference as he just spends most of the time removing it and chucking it on the floor. He can also get himself out of it now without removing the bar (he’s 18 months now)."

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
  • Durable fastenings

Cons

  • Can't be compacted down
Age suitability:18 months - 7 years
Size:‎49.4 x 39.3 x 91.5 cm
  • Safety roller (removable)
  • Fins
  • Screwed-in baseboard

Best foldable toddler tower

Black MEOWBABY Learning Towermeowbaby

Available in multiple colours, you can find a MEOWBABY learning tower to suit your personal sense of style and home décor. The steps are low to the ground, making it perfect for little feet, but you can adjust them as and when needed! Mums found this a game changer in the kitchen, with one mum saying, "The adjustable height is brilliant too, and he creates his own games on it when I'm busy (he sits down on the bottom step and uses the top step like a picnic table)."

If your little one loves to draw, you can choose the chalkboard option which we personally love. The main downside is that it's on the larger side compared with some other models, so many not be suitable for smaller kitchen spaces. "You do need a fair amount of space in your kitchen but it's so worth it if you spend a lot of time in there," said one mum.

Pros

  • Sturdy design
  • Wipe clean material

Cons

  • Quite big so not suitable for smaller kitchens
Age suitability:2+ years
Size:51D x 39W x 90H cm
Weight:8 kg
  • Varnished wood
  • Blackboard
  • 3 adjustable steps

Temporarily sold out

Best toddler tower for design

MOTHER&BABY

With three removable safety bars, no sharp edges and a versatile design, it's no surprise our parent testers loved the Cara Mia Chef toddler tower. Ideal for use against countertops, our tester found it secure. Dad tester Tom says, "When the tower is up against the kitchen counter, it feels rock solid, and I don’t worry about my daughter’s safety."

The main thing our tester liked about this design was its adjustability. With three different height levels, it's made to grow with your child. "The bars can be removed for older kids who don’t need as much “fencing in,” which is great for transitioning from a toddler to a more independent child," Tom said. "We use it for our 3-year-old and our 18-month-old, and they both use it on the same height setting, which is great and makes it really versatile without having to adjust it. But having the potential to adjust the height means it will grow with them and offer greater longevity," he continued.

Although the website says it takes just 10 minutes to build the tower, our dad, tester Tom, found it took him a little longer. "If you’ve assembled flat-pack furniture before, putting this tower together won’t be much of a challenge. It took me about 30 minutes to assemble on my own, and the instructions were fairly straightforward. Just be ready to use some patience, as with most flat-pack items," Tom commented.

Easy to wipe clean, the durable materials were impressive, and even after a few months of use, there were no signs of wear and tear. Available in two stylish colours, it also fits into any decor easily.

Read our full Cara Mia Chef toddler tower review here

Pros

  • Adjustable to allow for use by a range of ages
  • Allows younger children to help out or be involved in the kitchen safely
  • Spacious enough for children to move around in comfortably
  • Easy to wipe down
  • Neutral colour and design should work in most kitchens

Cons

  • Takes up quite a lot of space in the kitchen
  • Less stable when it’s not against a cabinet
  • Value for money
    3.0
  • Safety and stability
    4.0
  • Height adjustability
    5.0
  • Durability
    5.0
  • Design
    5.0
  • Ease of cleaning
    5.0
  • Ease of assembly
    5.0

Things to consider when buying a toddler tower

Size
Consider the sizing as every child grows at a different rate, so some toddler tower designs may be too big or small (depending on the child). Think about what room it will mostly be used in and whether it will fit comfortably in there - you don't want to keep moving it out of the way every few seconds.

Weight
If you're going to be moving the tower regularly, you'll want it to be lightweight but still sturdy.

Accessibility
Will your little one be able to use the learning tower with ease? Will they be able to climb in and out of it or move it without assistance? Don't forget to double-check the age ratings.

Features
Foldable learning towers are great if you're short on space. Adjustable designs are brilliant too as they will take longer for your child to outgrow so you can carry on baking with your toddler.

Structure
There are trapezoid and A-shaped towers, as well as ones which are built like normal steps. Like the sizing, it all comes down to the style of your kitchen and what shape would fit in it best.

Material
Materials that can be easily wiped clean would be perfect for a kitchen, as they could get messy pretty quickly, what with food and drinks likely to be spilt.

Style
Whilst your child is still young, the tower is likely to be a permanent fixture in your home, so it's important that you like the design. Lots of brands have multiple colour options, so you could find one that matches your home décor.

Are toddler towers safe?

Most toddler towers come with plenty of features including rails and bannisters, which often make them safer than stools and steps for children at this age, as it lowers the risk of falling or slipping. However, you should never leave your child unattended when using one if they're very young, as they could cause harm to themselves or others (especially near an oven or running water).

Many toddler towers are recommended for use with kids aged 18 months and up as they can stand up unaided. Of course, parents know their child's capabilities best, but stick to the age ratings that the manufacturer recommends.

If your toddler ends up regularly using the tower when you're not in the room, it may be worth putting a stair gate across the door so they can't get in and use it alone.

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us
How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.