Best learning towers: top toddler towers tested by parents

This unassuming little kitchen helper has a whole lot of functionality in its deceptively simple Montessori-style frame. It’s lightweight and has a neat design, which makes it a good option for families with smaller kitchen spaces or if you want to use this toddler tower throughout your house. 

The top rail is rounded and keeps little ones secure and the adjustable foot step has a considered groove design which prevents any slips too. MDF can often be tricky to clean, but this painted finish makes it simple to wipe away spills (top tip: the Ocean Blue colourway hides food stains too).

Construction does take a little time, with screws and wooden dowels, but the clear instructions are easy to follow. The standing tower can be adjusted to three different heights to grow with your child and the additional blackboard is a nice little extra that encourages some creative fun.

Do toddler towers get any cuter than this? Complete with adorable felt ears, this gorgeous mouse tower makes an aesthetically pleasing addition to your kitchen, playroom, bathroom or – in fact – any room in your house. 

The light beech wood is strong and the side panels and safety rail are wide and reassuringly durable, however it is still light enough to pick up and move around as needed. The step itself is adjustable to three different levels so it can accommodate a variety of heights and the wide base ensures this tower is wobble-free. 

Our parent tester, Laura, says, “It's sturdy and easy for my two-year-old to climb onto herself as the step isn't too high. We can also adjust the step height easily as she grows. However, she has to step over or under the top rail, which could be an issue for smaller toddlers.

This toddler tower arrives flatpacked and although it is relatively simple to put together some parents found the instructions a little confusing. 

This no frills learning tower from Hauck demonstrates that there are plenty of benefits to a simple design. Firstly, this toddler tower is an absolute breeze to put together - it comes in two parts and requires just two screws to fully assemble. The foot base can be adjusted to be at one of three heights - it's just a matter of screwing the footplate in at the right height for your child.

The handles at the top of the Hauck Learn N Explore Montessori Learning Tower are a real bonus, allowing your child to steady themselves. They’re also useful for grown-ups when moving the kitchen helper around to wherever it’s needed. 

The fins at the base provide additional support so there’s no danger of toppling, no matter how active your child is. The sustainable beechwood is FSC-approved and available in white, black and natural wood finishing. It wipes down easily too, so little chefs can get as creative as they like.

This foldable learning tower from TP Toys is great for parents who are short on space, but still want to offer a safe and secure way for their toddler to reach kitchen counters, sinks or other elevated surfaces.

The neutral, Montessori-inspired design is crafted from FSC-certified wood and makes a functional and stylish addition to home interiors. The little rubber feet at the base of the learning step ensure there’s no chance of movement when playing and the rounded safety bar locks firmly into place, while still allowing a large enough gap for children to easily climb up into.

The toddler step is easy to assemble and lightweight enough to move around and folding it up is a doddle – you just need to unscrew a couple of bolts. However, it’s worth noting that these bolts need to be completely removed for the helper tower to fold, so be sure to put them somewhere safe where they can’t get lost.

There are also a whole range of accessories to buy alongside this learning tower, including a play easel and some adorable wooden kitchen gadgets if you’d rather make less mess.

Cosyland’s 3-in-1 Toddler Kitchen Stool Helper arrives flat-packed and is designed to be quick and straightforward to assemble. Once set up, it lifts your child safely to counter height so they can join in with everyday tasks, whether that’s helping with cooking, washing vegetables or brushing their teeth at the bathroom sink.

One of the standout features is its 3-in-1 design. As well as functioning as a traditional learning tower, it can easily convert into a small table with a whiteboard surface, giving your child a place to draw, read or have a snack. The switch between modes is designed to be simple and tool-free, which makes it a practical option if you want something that grows with your child and offers more than just a step stool.

The tower is made from solid natural materials with a child-safe finish, and features a dual-lock safety system for added stability while your toddler is standing and climbing. Designed for children aged around 18 months to three years, it’s sturdy enough to support older children.

Overall, this is a versatile option if you want a learning tower that doubles as a small activity space. It encourages independence and keeps your toddler safely involved in everyday routines, while the multi-use design helps it stay useful long after the novelty of “helping in the kitchen” wears off.

Taking inspiration from the Montessori method of encouraging independence in even young children, Stepup Baby was created by mum Emma Robbins to provide parents with safe, accessible solutions for toddler independence. 

The Stepup learning tower is a popular kitchen step as it offers a lot of plus points. The durable birch plywood feels sturdy and well-crafted with a thick safety rail, rounded edges and wide, planted feet. It takes only 10 minutes to put together with an allen key (provided) and, once constructed, the toddler tower feels robust, yet still lightweight enough to move around if needed. 

The learning tower’s modern aesthetic is pleasingly minimal – and available in five different finishes to suit any home – but it has also been designed to slot under kitchen counters and keep out of the way when not in use. The step itself is easily adjustable to three different heights and even toddlers find it easy to climb. At over £100, it is one of the pricier learning towers on the market, but deservedly popular nonetheless.