The Best Toddler Towers for Kitchens, Bathrooms and Beyond
Two Babylist editors put their own toddlers to work reviewing toddler towers. Here are their favorites.
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If your toddler is eager to tag along for household chores, it’s not only adorable—but also a good sign that your days of tidying up and cooking meals by yourself are numbered. Research shows that helpful toddlers grow up to be excited and proactive little helpers by around age five. But before they can learn to turn on the sink or grab a cloth, they need a safe way to reach the kitchen counter themselves. Enter the toddler tower!
Like step stools outfitted with safety rails, these modern contraptions are as fun for little ones to climb into as they are practical. But there are so many styles out there. A quick search brings up thousands of models equipped with everything from built-in chalkboards to personalization options. It can be hard to pick one. (Even rounding up our top picks seemed a daunting task.)
That's why our Babylist team put toddler towers to the test. I teamed up with our newsletter editor, Alainna Wurfel, to get our hands on the most highly reviewed and recommended toddler towers. After assembling them ourselves and putting our own toddlers to work testing them out, we think the Guidecraft Contemporary Kitchen Helper is the best choice for most families. It's super sturdy, includes extra safety features and folds for storage. And if you want more options, we chose our favorites in other categories, too, including most stylish, most affordable, the best pick for small spaces and more.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
Firsthand professional and personal experience. I’ve tested a lot of baby gear since becoming Babylist’s gear editor in 2019, as has our newsletter editor, Alainna. We have four young children between us. Our families are used to us subjecting them to the ins and outs of product testing—and in this case, our two very energetic and curious toddlers were happy to oblige.
Toddler tower data. I regularly analyze which baby products our users are adding to their baby registries the most (and which ones they aren’t) and what our team of Merchandising experts—our buyers who are responsible for ensuring the Babylist Shop is stocked with the best and newest gear—is excited about. Studying this kind of data helped us choose which toddler towers to narrow in on and which ones to recommend to new and expecting parents.
Feedback and reviews. I reviewed comments and feedback from Babylist’s annual product survey of thousands of parents, read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our staff about their real-life diaper experiences.
How We Judged the Best Toddler Towers
Best Toddler Tower Overall
Pros
- Sturdy, solid construction
- Extra safety features like non-slip mat and two side keepers
- Folds for storage
Cons
- Large when open
- Heavy
- Adjusting platform height takes time (and a wrench)
Guidecraft’s toddler tower, the Kitchen Helper, is one of the first we tested—and it set a pretty high bar. “The first thing I noticed about the Kitchen Helper is how sturdy it felt,” Wurfel says. “The tower’s base is wide and stable; it’s made from high-quality (yet lightweight) hardwood; and overall, the tower feels impressively durable.”
Assembly of this toddler tower is quick and easy. It’s almost ready to use right out of the box—all you’ll need to do after unfolding it and ensuring the metal latches and standing platform are locked into place is attach the no-tip wooden feet to the tower’s base and you’re set to go. (We did ours with a drill to speed things up, but you can just as easily use a screwdriver.)
“I loved the platform’s size,” Wurfel adds. “At almost two feet by two feet, there was plenty of room for our toddler to move around as needed.” (It’s also adjustable to two different heights depending on your toddler’s size.) The non-slip mat provided much-needed traction for sock-clad toddler feet and the two “keepers” (AKA mesh screens) on either side helped keep our sometimes unsteady explorer safe and contained. “It was also tricky for our little climber to scale the sides since there was nothing for their feet to latch onto—something that wasn’t always the case with other toddler towers I tested,” she says.
The Kitchen Helper is easy to wipe clean, and even easier to stow away when it isn't in use—it folds smoothly in just a few seconds, a huge plus if you don’t want to store the tower out in the open.
Note that this is one of the larger toddler towers on our list, both in size and weight. Although it does fold compactly, it takes up a fair amount of space when it’s open and in use, something to consider if you plan on using the tower in a tight space. And while adjusting the platform’s height is doable, it’s not very quick or easy. You’ll need an Allen wrench and to remove (and reinstall) bolts, something to consider if you want to use a tower that’s easy to switch between children of different heights.
Additional Specs
Dimensions: 23”D x 23”W x 36”H
Product Weight: 22 lbs
Age Range: 2-5, up to 125 lbs
Extras: Adjustable platform; foldable; non-slip mat; color options
Best Affordable Toddler Tower
Pros
- Mid-range price point
- Solid hardwood
- Anti-slip strips and removable back safety rail
Cons
- Stabilizing feet stick out the back
- No color options
With a wide base and stabilizing feet, other parents (and gift givers) love how sturdy this Montessori-style Kids Kitchen Step Stool Helper from Katanabana is—especially given the price, which is below the average cost of the most popular toddler towers. And we love how it’s made: from solid hardwood, with a non-toxic and lead-free finish, and by a family-owned business.
We’re also big fans of its weight: heavy enough to stay in place while active toddlers crawl in but light enough to move. The standing platform, which can be adjusted at two different heights, is wider than most of the others we tested, giving toddlers plenty of space to move from side to side while working on a kitchen task. And the anti-slip strips are the largest we’ve seen: they run the length of the tower, ensuring little feet don’t slide off the step or standing platform.
“Though the tower is larger than some of the others on our list, it doesn’t look as bulky as I expected thanks to wide openings, rounded edges and a removable safety rail at the back,” noted Wurfel. Just keep in mind that the stabilizing feet do stick out the back, so if you plan to pull this up to a countertop that has cabinetry underneath, the feet may push up against the cabinets, creating a bit of space between the top of the tower and the countertop.
Additional Specs
Dimensions: 15.8”D x 18.3”W x 34.7”H
Product Weight: 16.8 lbs
Age Range: Up to 110 lbs
Extras: Adjustable platform; sturdy; non-slip strips
Best Classic Toddler Tower
Pros
- Classic, beautiful design
- Made from sustainably sourced birch
- Two adjustable platform heights
Cons
- Doesn’t fold
- Expensive
A new addition to our best-of picks, we sent this toddler tower to another Babylist team member the moment it came out to test with her preschool-aged daughter—and over a year later it’s still a kitchen staple. “I’ve really enjoyed it,” she told us. “My daughter turns six next month and she uses it every day.”
The first thing that stands out about this tower is its beautiful, minimalist aesthetic. The clean lines and classic design mean it will work just as well in a modern kitchen as it would in a more traditional one. “It is gorgeous,” our tester said. “It’s a lovely minimalist design and the color is perfect.” It’s made from sustainably sourced birch for families who prefer more eco-friendly products.
The tower’s function is just as impressive as its form. The platform has two height positions to accommodate growing kids, and, at 200 pounds, the highest weight limit of all the wooden toddler towers on our list. “My eight-year-old also enjoys using it. I have no concerns about my kids outgrowing it any time soon,” she shared. And the tower is easy to clean—just wipe it down when it gets messy.
Size is something to think about if you’re considering this toddler tower. “It isn’t small,” noted our tester. “Albeit, I’ve seen much larger towers, so in comparison it’s not that bad. However, I desperately wish it could fold. I find us moving it around the kitchen and out of the way often.” Some younger toddlers may also find it awkward to climb in and out due to the location of the bar.
Additional Specs
Dimensions: 18.8”D x 18.4”W x 33.35”H
Product Weight: 16.27 lbs
Age Range: 18 mos to 6 yrs or up to 200 lbs
Extras: Adjustable platform; sturdy; non-toxic materials; solid, sustainable birch
Best Toddler Tower for Small Spaces
Pros
- Folds near-flat to 4” wide
- Easy to carry
- Super affordable
- Optional rear safety bar
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons
- Step and platform aren’t height-adjustable
- Made from metal and plastic, not wood
This no-frills toddler tower won’t be winning any awards for aesthetics, but the portability is unmatched and the price is by far the most affordable of all of our best-of picks.
Part step stool, part toddler tower, the Kitchen Stepper is ideal if you don’t have the space for a large, bulky toddler tower. It folds down almost completely flat to just over four inches wide, making it easy to carry and even easier to stash in a closet or behind a doorway. It’s drastically cheaper than all of our other top picks, and the platform features a large, no-slip design for stability. And there’s no assembly required.
I love this tower's dual functionality. It features a fold-out locking rear safety bar for added security when you’re using it with your toddler. But since the bar is optional, and the tower can hold up to 225 pounds, it pulls double duty as an adult step stool, so you can keep it around after the toddler days are behind you.
This tower’s design is pretty straightforward; there’s no way to adjust either the step or the platform. And while the metal and plastic components are waterproof and easy to clean, they don’t hold the same charm as some of the wooden toddler towers on our list.
Additional Specs
Dimensions: 19.88”D x 18.383”W x 34.5”H
Product Weight: 11.4 lbs
Age Range: Up to 225 lbs
Extras: Sturdy; non-slip strips; waterproof; wipes clean; holds kids and adults
Most Versatile Toddler Tower
Piccalio Mini Chef 2-in-1 Convertible Toddler Tower - Natural
From $209.00Pros
- Converts to toddler table + chair
- Sturdy
- Easy to clean
- Stylish aesthetic
Cons
- Large
- Doesn’t fold for storage
- Standing platform does not adjust
We are eternal fans of multipurpose kid gear and get even more excited by products or furniture that can go the distance. That’s why we had our fingers crossed that this toddler tower from Piccalio would live up to our expectations. We’re happy to report that it not only lived up to but exceeded our hopes.
As a toddler tower, the Mini Chef is sturdy, functional and amply sized—but not overwhelmingly so. It was easy for our toddler to climb in and out of on his own and very stable. (We didn’t use the safety net, but it’s easy to add on—and beautiful, too.) The access step offers three different height options, and the tower has a stylish aesthetic and complements just about any type of space.
But the best part is that in just seconds, the top part of the helper tower folds down to create the perfect toddler table. The bottom part of the tower acts as a stool for built-in seating and the table itself offers plenty of space for our little one to color, snack or just hang out and play.
Assembly does take some time (the tower comes flat-packed and there’s an Allen wrench involved), but it’s otherwise simple and straightforward. Cleanup isn’t an issue, either; the toddler tower is easy to wipe down after any (inevitable) messes.
The biggest knock against this toddler tower is its size. Because it pulls double duty as a table, it doesn’t fold for storage. (You win some, you lose some.) And while the step portion of this toddler tower adjusts to three different height positions, the standing platform does not.
If you’re on the hunt for a toddler tower you can tuck away when not in use, we recommend Piccalio’s Mini Chef Foldable Toddler Tower, which we also had the opportunity to test. It has a smaller footprint and folds quickly and easily so you can stash it against a wall or in a closet when you need it out of sight.
It’s also worth noting that if your toddler likes to climb, they may try to use the side cutouts and front lower bar as a ladder. (Mine did.) It’s a nice reminder to never leave your little one unattended while using a toddler tower, even for a short moment.
Additional Specs
Dimensions: 16”D x 16”W x 36”H
Product Weight: 15.7 lbs
Age Range: 18 mos to 6 yrs or up to 175 lbs
Extras: Adjustable step; converts to toddler table and stool; color options
Most Stylish Toddler Tower
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Fun color options
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Large footprint
- Doesn’t fold for storage
- Some users report problems with assembly
- Colored options chip easily
You may already be familiar with dadada, which is popular for its safe and super stylish GREENGUARD Gold Certified cribs and dressers. We love that the brand’s tower is crafted with the same care and quality: it’s lead-free, phthalate-free and meets strict JPMA standards. We also love that it comes in so many fun (and baby-safe) finishes that can easily blend into any decor (while other toddler towers seem to stand out).
Design enthusiasts will appreciate the tower’s clean lines, too, while any busy parent will appreciate the uncomplicated assembly: with only one kind of screw, this streamlined style is quick and easy to put together. At the highest setting, the standing platform accommodates younger toddlers better than others we tested—and there are four height options in all, which is the most we’ve seen on a toddler tower.
This toddler tower has a fairly large footprint and doesn’t fold for storage, which is something to consider depending on your space. While this wasn’t our experience, some parents reported that assembling this toddler tower was tricky. (Not all of the holes are pre-drilled, so some parents had issues with the wood splitting when they tried to assemble the tower.) And because of the painted finish options, the more colorful models are prone to chipping.
Additional Specs
Dimensions: 15.24”D x 15.75”W x 35.51”H
Product Weight: 14.3 lbs
Age Range: Up to 100 lbs
Extras: Adjustable platform; adjustable step; color options
What Is a Toddler Tower?
A toddler tower is a step stool optimized for toddlers with safety rails, sturdy bases, easy-to-wipe surfaces and thoughtful designs. And the contraption has many names. Popular makers also refer to toddler towers as learning towers, kitchen towers, kitchen helpers, standing towers, Montessori towers and, simply, toddler step stools. Some are even marketed as exclusively for budding chefs, with phrases like kitchen helper or kitchen tower.
When Can Toddlers Begin Using Toddler Towers?
On average, toddler towers are safe to use from one-and-a-half to two years old, when your little one can safely stand and walk on their own. When we plopped a younger toddler into one, we learned why: crawlers and very early walkers aren’t able to steadily climb into or out of toddler towers on their own, and their little legs tire easily. Also, if they need to hold onto the rails in order to stay upright on the standing platform, sign language users (and grand gesticulators) aren’t able to safely let go in order to communicate that they need help.
If you have older children who would like to use the toddler tower, too, it’s worth noting that they often come with weight limits, which we’ve seen range from 60 to 250 pounds.
Are Toddler Towers Worth It?
A toddler tower isn’t a must-have item, but certain families would get lots of use out of one.
A toddler tower might be right for your family if:
You enjoy cooking. Some toddlers make excellent kitchen helpers. Toddler towers also help little ones access the sink and (when they’re ready) the stovetop so that your sous-chef-in-training can enjoy making meals with you—and cleaning up afterward, too.
Your toddler needs to reach the sink. Some children learn to wash their hands by themselves around two years old, when they’re able to remember and handle all the steps for scrubbing clean—but aren’t tall enough to reach the faucet. A toddler tower operates similarly to a step tool to give them independence but with the added flexibility of adjustable heights, larger standing platforms and safety rails to give them something to hold onto as needed for balance.
You have more than one child. If your toddler wants to join in on their older siblings’ activities, a toddler tower allows them to access taller surfaces while standing on their own two feet.
You want to include your toddler in household chores. According to this list of age-appropriate toddler chores, the youngest toddlers can start helping out with things like washing vegetables, pressing the button to start the washing machine or dryer, handing you items from the dishwasher and squirting the plants with a water bottle. A toddler tower is a great way to help them reach many of these areas of the home independently and safely.
How to Choose a Toddler Tower
When choosing a toddler tower, consider the size of the room(s) where your toddler will use it, whether you want it to fit in with other home decor and what additional features may make your life easier.
These are the features to think through before deciding what the best toddler tower is for you:
Size. If you’d like to pull your toddler tower up to the counter or the table, check the height of your furnishings first. Then decide whether you’d like the toddler tower to sit flush with that surface or, as one of us prefers, just underneath it. You’ll also need to consider the size of the toddler tower itself, and whether or not it collapses for storage. If you live in a smaller space or simply don’t want your toddler tower as a permanent fixture in your kitchen, look for a tower that folds compactly for easy storage. (If you’ll be storing your toddler tower somewhere else, consider that measurement, too.)
Weight. If you’ll want to move the toddler tower from room to room (or stow it when not in use), check the weight to be sure you’ll be comfortable handling and carrying it around. Some toddler towers have felt pads to make it easier to slide them around instead of lifting them. But bear in mind that children are not meant to use them unsupervised, and the sliding feature may be very attractive to some active toddlers. One of our own children pushed a lighter-weight toddler tower around the house and climbed up and over the top of it onto kitchen counters and other unsafe areas.
Versatility. If you have more than one child who will be using the toddler tower, and your children are different heights, you may need to adjust the standing platform and the bottom step each time they take turns. This is easier on some toddler towers, where you can easily slide out a step and then slide it into the position you need. You may want to avoid towers where you need to use a screwdriver or other tool to make these frequent adjustments. You’ll also want to consider longevity. If you’d like to get the most out of your investment, consider finding a toddler tower with some of the features we mentioned earlier: built-in chalkboards, add-on slides and foldable bases that convert the toddler tower into a tiny table and chair.
Safety. Some toddler towers feature extra safety features to prevent children from falling out and onto the floor. If you’re worried about this, look for safety rails along the back, mesh panels that cover wide openings and grippy tape on the steps. If your little one is a climber, like one of ours is, avoid toddler towers with anything that can help them scale the tower, such as cutouts on the side panels.
Appearance. Whatever your home looks like, there’s a good chance there’s a toddler tower out there to match it. So if aesthetics are important to you, try searching for something that suits your style first.
Cleanliness. Often, toddlers stand in these towers while completing untidy tasks like preparing meals, potting flowers and making crafts. And some toddler towers are easier to wipe down than others. Extra grooves and seams can be more difficult to clean, while smoother and simpler surfaces are generally easier to scrub.
