When to start using a learning tower: age, benefits and which one to choose

The first time you see your child trying to reach the kitchen worktop, standing on tiptoes or climbing onto a chair, something changes: they no longer want to be a mere spectator. They want to be there with you, doing the same thing you’re doing.

The learning tower is designed precisely for this moment. It is neither an Instagram fad nor a decorative piece of furniture: it is a tool that allows your child to safely take part in everyday life at home. But, as with everything to do with bringing up children, the ‘when’ is just as important as the ‘how’.

In this article, we explain at what age it is safe to start, what the benefits are for your baby’s development, and how to choose the model that best suits your home and your needs.

From what age can the learning tower be used?

There is no exact date on the calendar, but there are very clear physical signs. Most child development experts place the start of this stage between 12 and 18 months, when the child is already walking with some stability and can stand without constant support.

What really determines whether your baby is ready is not the age stated on their identity card, but rather three specific factors:

– Walks independently or takes confident steps

– Can stand without holding on for a few seconds

– Shows an active interest in what is happening in the kitchen or on the worktops

Once these three conditions are met, the learning tower becomes a very valuable resource. And the best thing is that there’s no time limit on its use: children can use it until they are 5 or 6 years old, as the type of activity they do on it changes as they grow.

What if my baby is under 12 months old?

Until a child can walk steadily, the tower is not suitable. There is a real risk of falling, and the raised platform requires a level of postural control that has not yet been developed. At this stage, a play mat on the floor and sensory exploration materials are much more suitable.

Benefits of the learning tower for child development

As well as the child being able to ‘help’ you with the cooking (and yes, it does take twice as long at first), the learning tower stimulates areas of development that cannot easily be replaced:

Real autonomy, not just for show

Climbing up on their own, climbing down on their own, reaching up to an adult’s height. Whenever your child uses the tower without you lifting them up, they are making an independent decision and putting it into practice. This builds confidence in a way that no tabletop toy can replicate.

Motor and balance development

Climbing steps using hands and feet, and standing on a raised platform whilst carrying out a task: these are movements that stimulate balance, bilateral coordination and leg strength. This is something that paediatricians specialising in child development particularly value in this age group.

Bonding and family involvement

When your baby is by your side whilst you’re preparing a meal, they’re not just learning to pour flour into a bowl. They’re learning rhythms, conversation, vocabulary, and cause and effect. The tower transforms everyday moments into shared learning experiences, without anyone even planning it.

A direct link to the Montessori method

The Montessori philosophy holds that children learn by doing, in environments adapted to their scale. The learning tower is perhaps the most direct tool for bringing this principle into the home. If you’re already applying the Montessori method at home, the tower is the natural next step.

Which one to choose? Types of learning towers

The market is full of options, and not all of them are equally suitable for every family. Before you buy, it’s worth finding out about the main differences: 

	Fixed tower	Folding tower	Adjustable tower
Space	He’s always busy	If you look	He’s always busy
Price	More economical	Average price	More expensive
Durability	High	High	High
Adjustable height	Not always	Nem sempre	Yes
Ideal for	Spacious kitchens	Small flats	Prolonged use

Safety considerations to check before buying

A learning tower supports a child’s weight on a raised platform, so safety is not just an added bonus: it is the main factor to consider when buying one. Always check the following points:

– Handrails on all four sides at a sufficient height (at least at the child’s chest level)

– No openings large enough for a child’s head to fit through — the European standard EN 71 is the benchmark

– A wide, non-slip base to prevent tipping

– High-quality wood with no splinters, rounded edges and non-toxic paint

– An adjustable platform height is an advantage, especially for prolonged use

Frequently asked questions about the learning tower

From what age can the learning tower be used?

From 12–18 months, when the baby is already walking unaided and can stand steadily. There is no exact age: what determines when to start is motor development, not the date of birth.

Up to what age can the baby walker be used?

Up to the age of 5 or 6, in most cases. As the child grows, the activities they carry out in the walker evolve: they move from observing to participating and, later, to carrying out tasks independently.

Is the learning tower safe?

Yes, provided it complies with the European safety standard EN 71, has bars on all four sides, a non-slip base and no gaps large enough for a child’s head to fit through. It is important to always use it under adult supervision.

A fixed or foldable play tower?

It depends on the space. If you have a large kitchen and don’t need to move it around, the fixed one is sturdy and good value for money. If space is limited or if you want to use it in different rooms, the foldable one is much more practical.

Is a learning tower the same as a baby walker?

No. A baby walker helps a baby take their first steps by supporting them. A learning tower is a stationary piece of furniture that raises the child to worktop height so they can take part in household activities. They are products designed for different stages and purposes.