What is Montessori Kids Learning Tower

What is a learning tower?

If you have heard of Montessori, you have likely heard about the Montessori learning tower. This very neat furniture item is a main stay in many Montessori homes.

 

Why should you get one, though? When should you get a learning tower? What is the best brand of learning tower? What about safety?

 

There are so many questions. In this article, you will get an answer to all these questions and more.

 

What is a learning tower?

Montessori learning towers are a popular item many families choose to use in their kitchens.

 

A learning tower is a piece of furniture that helps parents more safely and easily involve their children in cooking and other kitchen tasks.

 

● toddler tower

● kitchen helper

● Montessori learning tower

 

So, if you see people recommend getting any one of these things for kitchen activities, they are all referring to the same thing.

 

Learning tower vs chair/stool: Why choose a learning tower?

 

While pulling a chair up to the counter or sink is a perfectly fine learning tower alternative for those who do not want/cannot afford a learning tower, there are a few ways they fall short of learning tower-level glory.

 

Chairs are heavy, they take up a lot of space, and they are easier for young toddlers to fall from.

 

When you are trying to get some meal prep done with your toddler, it is beneficial to have your child on a safe piece of furniture.

 

 

Here are the benefits of a Montessori learning tower for toddlers:

 

● helps young children feel included

● boosts self-confidence

● gives toddlers independence

● increased opportunities for bonding

● fosters learning

● allows toddlers to focus on the activity, instead of their balance

 

Here are the benefits of a Montessori learning tower for parents:

 

● piece of mind that your child can participate safely

● increased opportunities for bonding

● physically easier

 

What features to look for in a Montessori learning tower

 

All learning towers are not created equal. They vary by levels of sturdiness, features, and price.

 

When you are choosing a toddler tower for your little one, you need to factor in your child's abilities and age, the amount of space in your kitchen, the level of safety you want, and how much use it will get.

 

 

Your child's abilities

 

The features of your learning tower should be based on the abilities, and/or potential abilities, of your child.

 

Ideally, your learning tower should be able to fit your child's current needs, as well as their needs a couple of years into the future.

 

Learning towers can actually be great for children with special developmental needs. Be sure to consult with your child's occupational and/or physical therapist to see how to best incorporate this nifty piece of furniture.*

 

Factor in space

 

Some learning towers are slim and fit well in smaller kitchens, while others are taking up a lot of space and can make for lots of stubbed toes for caregivers.

 

There are also foldable options available.

 

Always pay careful attention to the size specifications when purchasing your kitchen helper.

 

Level of safety vs level of autonomy

 

Montessori learning towers offer different levels of safety. This means varying levels of autonomy, as well.

 

Some parents and caregivers are looking for safety features, such as a fully enclosed platform.

 

This type of toddler tower is a bit safer and can be great for a parent's peace of mind, but it limits a toddler's ability to climb in and out.

 

How much use will it get?

 

When deciding if a learning tower is right for you, or which learning tower you should invest in, a few factors should be taken into consideration.

 

(Learning towers can are typically used until a child is 4-6 years old, depending on ability and size.)

 

How long your child will use it

 

If it will be used over the years for multiple children

 

It is important no note, though, that learning towers, when properly cared for, can bring back as much as 60% of the purchase when they are sold used.

 

When to start with a learning tower?

 

Children develop at their own pace, of course. Most children, though, are ready to use a learning tower when they are able to stand flat and steady on their feet.

 

Many recommend introducing a kitchen helper at 18 months, but as long as your child is properly supervised (they should supervised be at any age), there is no reason to wait.

 

Many parents start their child on a learning tower as early as 9 months.

 

This is, of course, a personal choice you should base on your own child and your own best judgment.

 

Involving a child in activities of Practical Life should happen the moment they are able to participate in even the most minimal capacity.

 

Whether you do this using a chair, learning tower, or carrier, the important thing is that you are doing it.

 

Learning towers and safety

 

Coupled with good judgment and common sense, learning towers are a safe way to involve your child in kitchen activities.

 

There are some things you should keep in mind, however.

 

Here are some tips for safely implementing a learning tower in your home:

 

● stay up to date on recalls

● regularly check for splinters, chips in the paint, and loose hardware

● never leave a child unattended while in the learning tower

● be mindful of items the child has access to when in the learning tower

 

Being able to safely involve my children in cooking activities has heightened everyone's enjoyment of meal prep and mealtime.