As a mom who’s always on the lookout for ways to make everyday activities more fun and safe for my kids, I wanted to share something that’s made a huge difference in our home—the learning tower.
If you haven’t come across these before, they’re a fantastic piece of furniture that helps your toddler reach counter height safely, allowing them to join you in activities like cooking, cleaning, or just having fun with crafts.
But here’s the big question: Should you choose a foldable learning tower or a non-folding one?
Let me walk you through it from a mom's perspective, sharing what’s worked for us and hopefully helping you make the right choice for your family.
What’s the Purpose of a Learning Tower?
A learning tower is designed to give your little one a safe place to stand at the kitchen counter or table, so they can help with tasks or play alongside you. For me, this has been such a huge part of involving my kids in daily life and making them feel like they’re contributing. Whether it’s helping mix the batter or just being a part of the action, it helps them feel involved and proud.
But beyond just the kitchen, a toddler tower is perfect for learning opportunities everywhere. It’s an activity tower that supports their development by letting them explore new things, from cooking to playing games or doing simple crafts. It’s about fostering curiosity in a safe and supportive environment.
Why a Foldable Learning Tower Might Be the Best Choice
As moms, I’m sure we all know that space can be tight, especially when you’re juggling toys, furniture, and just the everyday mess. This is where a foldable learning tower has been a game-changer for us. Here’s why I think it could be perfect for your family too:
Space-Saving
As much as I love all the kid-friendly furniture, it can pile up quickly. A foldable learning tower is amazing because it’s easy to store. When my twin toddlers were done helping me in the kitchen or playing, I could just fold it up and tuck it away. It frees up space for other activities and helps keep the house from feeling too cluttered.
Portability and Flexibility
The beauty of a collapsible learning tower is that you can take it wherever you need it. Need to move to the bathroom to brush teeth? No problem! Want your toddler to help with setting the table? Just slide it over to the dining room. It’s lightweight and easy to move around, which has made my life a lot easier. Plus, if we’re staying over at a Grandma’s house or traveling, we can take it along without any hassle. Although, Grandma might want her own after she sees it!
Easy to Store
When you’ve got a toddler who’s growing fast, space can sometimes feel like the most precious commodity. If you don’t want your kitchen tower or standing tower taking up space in the living room or kitchen, a foldable one is perfect. It takes up hardly any room when not in use, and when it’s folded up, you can easily stash it in a closet or under the bed.
Another great option is buying a learning tower with a sturdy hook. This allows you to hang the tower on the wall when it’s not in use, saving even more space! It’s a simple, clever solution if you’re looking to keep things tidy and organized while still having a learning tower available whenever your toddler is ready for their next adventure.
Why a Non-Folding Learning Tower is Now Outdated
I totally get that some families might still prefer a non-folding option. If you have a bit more space at home or you're looking for something a little sturdier, a non-folding educational tower might seem like a good choice.
But honestly, in today’s world where we're all trying to make the most of our space and balance functionality with convenience, a non-folding toddler tower just feels a bit outdated.
Also, with the higher cost and the lack of portability, non-folding towers can be tricky. For busy parents like us, a foldable learning tower brings the same safety and stability but offers the bonus of easy storage and the flexibility to move it around.
As families, we’re constantly on the go, and having furniture that fits our changing needs is such a huge relief! A foldable tower just makes life a whole lot easier.
How to Make Your Learning Tower Safer
Safety is always at the top of my mind when it comes to my kids, especially as a pediatric registered nurse, and I’m sure it is for you too. Here’s how to make your toddler tower as safe as possible:
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Check Stability: Always ensure the tower is sturdy enough to hold your child’s weight and won’t tip over. Many activity towers come with a broad base to prevent this.
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Choose Non-Toxic Materials: This is such a big one! I always make sure any kitchen tower I choose for my kids is made from safe, non-toxic materials. Toddlers are often teething, and they’re prone to putting things in their mouths, so it's so important to pick one that’s safe for them.
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Secure Guardrails: Some standing towers come with added guardrails to keep your toddler from leaning too far over the edge. It’s always best to make sure these features are in place before your child starts using it. Additionally, many foldable learning towers include anti-slip strips on the platform. These strips ensure that no amount of water or mess will make your little one’s feet slip, providing extra stability and peace of mind while your toddler is exploring and helping in the kitchen.
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Supervision: No matter how sturdy or safe your foldable learning tower is, always supervise your toddler when they’re using it. It’s important to stay close, especially when they’re standing near counters or sharp objects in the kitchen.
Why I Love My Foldable Learning Tower
As a mom who’s always trying to keep things simple and practical, the foldable learning tower has been a lifesaver. It’s easy to store, safe, and allows my little ones to be part of the action in the kitchen or at the table. Watching them explore and learn is one of my favorite parts of the day. And I love knowing they’re safe while they do it.
If you’re a first-time parent, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose between so many options. But a foldable learning tower offers a perfect balance of safety, functionality, and convenience—everything a busy parent like you might need.
I hope this helps you as you make the best choice for your family. If you’re looking for a foldable learning tower that’s made with care and safety in mind, I’d love for you to check out what we have at Mommy’s Little Helper. Trust me, it’s something your little one (and you!) will love!
