A Parent’s Guide to Using a Toddler Tower
Your toddler crying and grabbing at your legs, asking to be held as you try to chop an onion for dinner, is a classic parenting struggle. A toddler tower, also known as a helper tower, solves this problem, making space for both of your needs. You don’t have to try to balance your child in one arm while making dinner with the other, and they can still see what’s going on and feel included.
What is a toddler tower? How do they work? And why would you want one?
What Is a Toddler Tower?
A toddler tower, or kitchen tower, is a specially designed step stool and standing platform that helps children access kitchen counters and other hard-to-reach places. A safety rail is included to provide support and peace of mind.
Useful for the kitchen, bathroom, and other spaces where toddlers need a boost, a toddler tower fosters independence. Helper towers are popular in the Montessori community because they support child-centered learning through real-life experiences.
Choosing Your Toddler Tower
Various different styles of toddler towers are available. Which one is right for your family?
GoodBuy Gear proudly partners with Piccalio, a children’s furniture company specializing in high-quality Toddler Towers and other stylish, non-toxic pieces. Committed to sustainability, Piccalio saves, repairs, re-tests, and sells returned items with GoodBuy Gear so they can benefit families for many years to come. GoodBuy Gear then quality checks the items and sells them for a discount on their website.
Convertible Toddler Tower
Piccalio’s Convertible Toddler Tower transforms from a tower to a small table and chair in a snap. That means your child can go from mini chef cooking a tasty meal to sitting down to eat in a quick transformation.
The Convertible Toddler Tower’s table and chair configuration is also useful for other activities like coloring, arts and crafts, reading, puzzles, and more! The small footprint makes it easy to set up this small workspace anywhere—the kitchen, the living room, the dining room, or anywhere.
Foldable Toddler Tower
Have a small kitchen? Piccalio’s Foldable Toddler Tower folds up easily when not in use. Tuck it away or hang it on the matching Piccalio Wall Hook. You can make space for your toddler easily by setting up the tower in one movement.
Both of Piccalio’s Toddler Towers are made from FSC©-Certified wood and are Greenguard Gold Certified. Additionally, they meet safety standards for structural integrity, such as ASTM F963 & F2613 and U.S. CPSC Safety Standards. Learn more about the difference between Piccalio’s Convertible and Foldable Toddler Towers.
Setting Up Your Toddler Tower for Success
How can you make the most of a toddler tower? Here are some top tips for using your toddler tower safely:
Create a Safe Space
When you set up your helper tower, keep dangerous items out of reach. For example, set the tower up away from the stove and outlets. Also, remove any sharp knives or kitchen tools from the area. Instead, offer safer options like a wooden knife, cutting board, or measuring spoons.
Choose the Correct Height
Many toddler towers, including Piccalio’s Foldable Toddler Tower, have adjustable platforms. Set up the platform so that the safety rail hits your child’s waist when standing on the tower.
Have a Plan for When the Tower Is Not in Use
When your toddler tower is not in use, you want to ensure your child can’t access it without supervision. You may move the tower out of the kitchen, stow your Foldable Toddler Tower away, or transform your Convertible Toddler Tower into the table and chair configuration.
Some families may also use a baby gate to keep their toddler out of the kitchen. Whatever works for your family while keeping your child safe is perfectly fine.
How to Introduce a Toddler Tower to Your Child
Actually using the helper tower is the fun part! Here are some ways to engage your toddler in the kitchen:
1. Invite Observation
It doesn’t take a lot for your toddler to enjoy being at kitchen counter height. Sometimes, it’s enough for them to be up close to watch you prepare meals.
While they observe, be sure to supervise your toddler. Help them learn boundaries, such as “keep your feet on the tower.”
2. Encourage Participation
Once your child is comfortable standing on the toddler tower, encourage them to participate. This often happens naturally, as they’ll want to help! Give them simple tasks like stirring, chopping soft foods, or arranging food on a tray or plate.
3. Foster Independence
As your child grows, foster independence by giving them tasks they can do without your help. Some good examples are washing their hands, getting a cup of water, or spreading cream cheese on crackers for a snack.
Three Toddler Tower Activities to Try in the Kitchen
Try these fun, easy-going activities to have some more fun with your toddler in the kitchen:
1. Sensory Sink Play
Bubbles. Water. Pouring. What could be more fun for a toddler?
Set up your toddler tower at the kitchen sink. Then, fill the sink less than half-full with water. Add some dish soap for fun if you’d like. Also, add a few tools for your child to enjoy, such as measuring cups, a whisk, or a funnel. Encourage your child to practice pouring water and whipping up suds.
2. Making Kebabs
Get some kebab sticks and soft foods like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Or, opt for fruit such as melons, strawberries, and bananas. Encourage your child to cut the food into bite-sized pieces with a child-safe knife. Then, show your little one how to thread the foods onto a kebab stick.
If desired, offer some yogurt or another dip for dipping. Bon apetit!
3. Making Mini Pizzas
Children often love pizza. You can make simple pizzas with English muffins, sauce, and shredded cheese. If you’d like, add some additional toppings your toddler likes, such as vegetables or meat.
Demonstrate the steps to make a pizza. Then, invite your kiddo to try. You can pop them in the oven, a toaster oven, or an air fryer until the cheese melts.
Benefits of a Toddler Tower
A toddler tower does more than keep your little one from whining while you cook dinner. In addition, your toddler will:
- Build fine motor skills
- Learn practical life skills like cooking and cleaning
- Build an identity as a helper and contributor to the household
- Feel confident and capable
- Achieve greater independence
And so much more! When we chase children out of the kitchen at a young age, they learn that cooking is for adults. By inviting them in, they not only learn essential life skills, but they also enjoy moments of connection with you!
Give Your Child the Gift of Independence
What starts as your toddler standing in the toddler tower, stirring up pancake batter on a Saturday morning, will eventually turn into your 10-year-old handily making their own snack or lunch. Plus, the smile on your toddler’s face when they say “I did it!” after making a snack or pouring a glass of milk can’t be matched. It’s a win-win!
About the Author, Piccalio
Rachel Peachey is the Content Editorial Manager at Piccalio. A former Montessori teacher, Rachel is also a mother to three children, who keep her busy with their many activities and interests. She specializes in writing about parenting, education, and the Montessori method.