How to Choose the Best Learning Tower for Your Growing Child?
As a parent, you always want to support your child’s development. One of the best ways to do this is to use a learning tower. A toddler-safe learning tower is similar to a stool that has safety rails all around to prevent accidents. It lets kids safely join in household tasks like cooking and cleaning by allowing them to climb up and down.
This article will explore the different factors to consider when choosing the best learning tower for your child. You will also know the benefits of using this tool for your toddler.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Learning Tower
Play-based learning is guaranteed to help your child’s development, so you need to find the best learning tower for your child. To help you decide, here are the essential factors you should consider:
Accessibility or Safety
Do you worry that your child might fall from the tower or accidentally step off of it? It’s best to consider getting one with additional coverage, like a netting or mesh cover.
Do you worry that your little one may attempt to use the tower as a ladder to reach the countertops? If that's the case, it’s best to choose a design without side cutouts. They can utilize these features to their advantage to ascend the counter.
You can also choose something completely enclosed or one with a more "open" layout so your kid can't go too close and maybe even climb on top of the counter.
Available Size and Space of Your Kitchen
Consider the dimensions of your kitchen and the available storage space before purchasing a learning tower.
You should get one that you adore, and that complements your room. If you have a wide and open kitchen, it’s advisable to better choose a bigger tower. This way, your kid will have more space to move around. More likely, when choosing a bigger tower, it never leaves your kitchen due to how difficult they are to store.
On the other hand, if your kitchen is on the smaller side, opt for a compact tower. It won't take up much space and can be tucked away in a pantry or beneath the kitchen island.
Counter Height
Before purchasing a learning tower, measure the height of your kitchen island and countertops to ensure they fit properly. Compare these measurements to the tower before making your purchase. While not in use, you can store the learning towers beneath the overhang of your kitchen island. Unfortunately, most of the other towers are too tall to be stored.
Type
You should know certain types of learning towers to decide which one is the most ideal for you, your child, and your current home setup.
Standard
In most cases, a learning tower will have a fixed platform and walls. It's a good option because it's easy to assemble, performs well, and is reasonably priced. But there are a few functions that you might like that it doesn't have. For example, being folded for storage or converting to another piece of furniture like a stool.
Height Adjustable
Some learning towers feature an adjustable platform that can be raised or lowered to provide easier access to the countertop. This accommodates children of varying heights. Doing so may increase the amount of time your tower lasts.
The platform can also be changed to suit each child, making it an excellent alternative for households with many children.
Convertible
Convertible learning towers are great for kids since they serve numerous purposes. This ingenious design lets you convert it to a table and chair for mealtimes or drawing. For added convenience and entertainment value, some convertible models have a slide or a step stool/seat that coordinates with it.
Foldaway
The foldaway learning tower is a popular choice for people who have limited storage space or only use the tower occasionally. It's also favored by those who want a product that's easy to store.
Specialized
Specialty activity learning towers, with the right accessories, can transform into a full-fledged laboratory for your kid's spatial exploration. For instance, there are learning towers where your child can move gears on the side.
Your Child’s Age and Weight Limit
The weight limit is typically lower on learning towers that are lightweight and easy to transport. For a long-lasting learning tower or an older child, choose a larger type to bear their weight. In addition, learning towers with larger weight limitations are great for kids, but they can be a pain to store if your kitchen is cramped.
Tips for Using Learning Towers Based on Your Child’s Age and Personality
To ensure you can get the most of the benefits of using learning towers for your growing child, here are some tips you can try.
Baby or Toddler
If your child is just turning one year old, you should always turn the tower to the open side, sit flush against the countertops or cabinets, and always be supervised. That way, your child will be covered by all four sides with little chance of falling. Also, it’s better if the learning tower you will use has a safety net to guarantee protection.
Active Toddler
Turning the learning tower's opening outward lets your child come and go as they like, helping them build independence. Some learning towers come with a step stool so that they don't have to "hoist" themselves.
Fussy Eater
Like any other growing toddler, surely yours is also a fussy eater. In cases like this, a learning tower can also be a lifesaver every mealtime. You can choose a convertible toddler standing tower to make eating more fun and exciting for your child. By placing them in this tower instead of a typical high chair for eating, your toddler won’t feel too cramped sitting.
Make the Right Choice for Your Child’s Development
By allowing children to participate in everyday activities, you are teaching them confidence and valuable life skills from an early age. When shopping, remember to prioritize safety, adjustability, and the available features.
Investing in the best climbing set can be a game-changer for both you and your child. So, don't hesitate to purchase one now!