If you're a parent of a toddler, chances are you've seen a learning tower pop up on your feed and thought something along the lines of: "Cute… but do I really need another piece of furniture in my kitchen just so my child can ‘help’ make dinner?"
I get it. I was the same.
But after a few too many cooking sessions with a toddler clinging to my leg, crying because she couldn’t see what I was doing, or worse, trying to scale the kitchen drawers like she’s in Ninja Warrior Junior, I gave in.
And honestly? I should’ve done it sooner.
What is a learning tower?
A learning tower (sometimes called a toddler kitchen helper) is a safe, stable platform that lets your toddler stand at counter height. Think of it as a very sturdy step stool with guardrails, designed to keep them from toppling over while they explore the world from your level.
It's based on Montessori principles of encouraging independence, hands-on learning, and letting kids be part of real everyday life, not just watching it from the sidelines.
And no, you don’t need to be a Pinterest parent or have a Montessori-certified household to use one. You just need a toddler. And a kitchen.
Why do people swear by them?
Because it changes everything.
Toddlers love being involved. They want to do what you do. They don’t want a fake play kitchen while you’re cooking; they want the real thing. And a learning tower makes that possible, without it being dangerous.
Here’s what a learning tower actually gives you:
1. A safe way for toddlers to help
Whether they’re mixing pancake batter, washing strawberries, or "supervising" your cooking, the tower gives them a secure place to stand and be part of the action.
2. Independence and confidence
They can wash their hands by themselves. Get their cup. Help make their sandwich. It’s the kind of confidence boost that builds naturally, without needing to turn it into a lesson.
3. More calm, less chaos
Let’s be real, it’s easier to have a curious toddler safely at counter height than to fight them off while you try to juggle hot pans, sharp knives, and dinner deadlines.
What if I have a small kitchen?
We hear this a lot: “I’d love one, but I don’t have the space.”
Learning towers can feel bulky, but many of them are designed with small-space living in mind. Some fold flat. Others can be tucked into a corner or used as a little table or step when not in use.
And honestly? Even if you have to scoot it around a bit, it’s worth it. The daily payoff, calmer mornings, fewer meltdowns, and a toddler who feels included make it more than just another piece of baby gear.
Do learning towers really help with toddler development?
Yes, but not in a “milestone tracker” kind of way.
They support:
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Motor skills (climbing in and out, scooping, pouring)
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Language development (narrating what you're doing together)
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Problem-solving (helping choose ingredients, stirring, peeling)
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Confidence (doing real things, not just pretending)
It’s everyday life, but on their level. Which, if you’ve got a toddler, is exactly where the good stuff happens.
Okay, but is it messy?
Yes. It's parenting.
They will get flour on the floor. They’ll lick things they’re not meant to. But they’ll also learn, engage, and feel like they belong in your daily world. And that’s kind of the point.
Plus, the mess is easier to clean up when everyone’s not crying.
Final verdict?
If you’ve ever tried to make lunch with a toddler at your ankles begging to be picked up, a learning tower might just save your sanity.
It's not magic. It's not minimalist. But it's practical, safe, and actually used, which is more than we can say for half the baby gear sitting in storage.
Shop Our Favourite Learning Towers
At Sāaru, we only carry learning towers that are:
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Sustainably made from FSC®-certified wood
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Designed for safety and long-term use
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Beautiful enough to leave out in your kitchen
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Backed by our own experience (and that of our chaotic toddlers)
Browse our collection for little helpers here
Because sometimes the best parenting hack is just giving your kid a safe way to stand next to you while you chop carrots and try to drink your tea before it goes cold.
