Let me guess – your toddler is growing up and becoming more mobile. It is the perfect opportunity to encourage their independence and passion for cooking and helping out. A Montessori tower could be just what you're looking for! A quality kitchen tower promotes independence and teaches vital life skills. It is also known as a learning tower or toddler step stool. Montessori kitchen towers align with your toddler's needs for independence because they follow a hands-on learning approach based on Montessori principles. This guide explains Montessori kitchen towers and their benefits for children. Let's dive right in!
Understanding Montessori Kitchen Towers
The internet has hundreds, if not thousands, of Montessori kitchen towers. Choosing the best one for your toddler can be overwhelming. I follow Montessori principles with my three kids and have years of experience with creating the best developing furniture for our little ones. In this post I'll explain what to look for in a kitchen tower and why certain features matter.
So, what exactly are kitchen towers, and why does your toddler need one? Kitchen towers, toddler towers, or helper stools are wooden structures. Toddlers use them to reach kitchen countertops or sinks. Simply put, towers help kids join household activities they're too short for. In return, this promotes independence. Kitchen towers serve as a safe stepping stool for your child to reach the countertop. Your child can join you in cooking, baking, and other kitchen tasks. It's believed that Montessori kitchen towers empower toddlers to develop essential life skills. The towers boost confidence and competence in the kitchen. They encourage independence and hands-on learning. All great life skills to learn at a young age.
Benefits of Montessori Kitchen Towers for Toddlers
Using a kitchen tower with your toddler helps them grow, become independent, and gain confidence. It also creates positive kitchen experiences. We want our little ones to learn to do things themselves and feel capable. Following Montessori principles, the idea is to start young and gradually introduce new skills. That's exactly what I did with all three of my children. Here are my top four benefits of using a kitchen tower with toddlers:
- Kitchen towers help toddlers be more independent in meal prep, fostering self-reliance from a young age.
- Toddlers develop skills like coordination, awareness, and exploration through kitchen activities.
- Toddlers gain confidence by pouring ingredients and washing fruits in the kitchen. It instills a sense of accomplishment.
- Cooking together creates bonding moments. It fosters communication, teamwork, and shared experiences between parents and toddlers.
Ultimately, using a kitchen tower with toddlers helps their growth and independence. It also fosters a positive relationship with food and the kitchen. We can use these principles in our parenting. They will help us empower our children to be confident and capable. And we will make cherished memories with them in our home.
What Age can Toddlers Use a Kitchen Tower from?
Every child develops at their own pace, showing unique levels of independence. Typically, Montessori kitchen towers are suitable for toddlers aged 18 months and older. They must have the balance and coordination to stand safely on a raised platform. Consider your child's readiness before introducing a toddler tower. This will ensure a positive experience.
Pro tip: Search for kitchen towers with extra features, like a blackboard. Some towers convert into a table and chair. Your child can get familiar with the tower before using it as a stepping stool. This builds trust and encourages them to explore the new "gadget".
Types of Montessori Kitchen Towers
Speaking of added features, let's look at the different types of Montessori kitchen towers you can find. Each has its features and benefits to cater to various preferences and requirements. Our top picks are kitchen towers with blackboards or convertible options that easily transform into tables and chairs. Opting for a kids' tower with extra features means getting more value for your money, as it serves multiple purposes. You can find Montessori-inspired kitchen towers on our online shop.
Features to Consider for Your Toddler's Kitchen Tower
Considering that your toddler will be using their kitchen tower daily, you want to pay attention to a few key things. These are my recommended features as a mom of 3 that uses kitchen towers and as someone who creates developing furniture for toddlers.
- Towers should have sturdy construction and safety rails to prevent falls. Look for non-slip surfaces.
- Choose towers made of long-lasting, easy-to-clean wood for durability and cleanliness.
- Assembly and Storage: Choose a tower that is easy to assemble and disassemble for storage when not in use.
- Choose a tower with adjustable height settings for your child's growth.
- Consider adding blackboards or activity boards to enhance learning.
- Consider a tower that can convert into a toddler table and chair for versatility.
If you've found a product that matches all of these demands, get your hands on it. Trust me, it will help your toddler become more independent and interested in household chores. Your already busy schedule will have room for spending valuable time together bonding over food while cooking.
Tips for Using Montessori Kitchen Towers
Let's say you have the kitchen tower. How can you make the most of it? I love versatile products so I've come up with a few practical use cases for my kitchen towers. These are my ideas for making the most of your kids step stools and using a Montessori kitchen tower in your daily routines.
- Encourage your toddler to participate in age-appropriate kitchen tasks. This can include mixing ingredients, washing fruits and vegetables, and setting the table.
- Create a toddler-friendly kitchen area. Set up a designated space where your child can safely explore and engage with their kitchen stepping stool. kitchen tower.
- Teach your child how to use the kitchen tower safely. This includes climbing carefully and using safety rails.
- Encourage independence. Let your child explore and experiment with kitchen tools independently. Provide guidance and supervision as needed.
- Create an arts and crafts station. It should be at a comfortable height and easily accessible. Children can engage in painting, drawing, or other crafts there.
- Transform this toddler tower into a learning zone: practice colors, numbers, and vocabulary.
- Use outside the kitchen. Take the kitchen tower into the bathroom to help your child access the vanity and be more independent in their hygiene rituals, such as brushing teeth.
Montessori Kitchen Towers Comparison
The possibilities are endless when it comes to kitchen towers. If you can, go for a well-made, durable and multi-use tower that can withstand the everyday wear and tear. We've had our Montessori towers for over 5 years with each child and even then, the only reason we stopped using them is because they grew up. As a Montessori family, we know what works for us and what new parents need. We've tried various kitchen towers, and there are three that we can vouch for on our online store (manufactured by us).
- Kitchen tower with three platform height levels: This handy toddler step stool makes everyday tasks more accessible for little ones, promoting independence. As your child grows, you can adjust the height levels to accommodate their growing up.
- Kitchen tower with a blackboard: Adding a creative twist to the classic step stool, we've included a blackboard backing on one platform for extra entertainment. This comes in handy if you have multiple kids who need entertainment while one of them is using the tower. This blackboard backing can be used for creative drawing as well as practicing numbers and math.
- 2-in-1 transformable kitchen tower: This versatile stepping stool transforms into a chair and table, offering dual functionality and minimizing clutter. It's the perfect multi-use product for a toddler. They can practice their schoolwork while not using the tower for its original purpose. Can you tell I love versatile products?
I really appreciate when a product can serve multiple purposes. This kitchen tower also transforms into a table and chair.
It was important to us that our Montessori towers are made from high-quality birch plywood to ensure durability while remaining light, which is important as children progress to carrying the tower independently. Birch plywood is strong and resilient, ideal for kid-friendly furniture. Plus, its light color and smooth grain pattern add a touch of elegance to any space.
In a nutshell, regardless of which kitchen tower you choose for your toddler, it will encourage their independence and teach them essential life skills. Incorporating the standing tower into your family's routine can empower your child to become a confident and capable chef-in-training. Explore our selection of top-rated Montessori kitchen towers, all handmade in Northern Europe.
Answering Common Questions About Toddler Kitchen Towers
What age can I use a kitchen tower from? Montessori kitchen towers are generally suitable for toddlers aged 18 months and older, depending on their height and developmental stage.
Are there kitchen towers with chalkboards? Yes, we offer a kitchen tower with a chalkboard or blackboard, which adds an interactive element to the learning experience.
Can kitchen towers be used for other activities besides cooking?
Of course! Kitchen towers can be used for various activities beyond cooking. While using the tower, toddlers can engage in arts and crafts projects, baking and food preparation, learning and educational activities, household chores, and pretend play. Its stable platform allows toddlers to reach higher surfaces safely, promoting independence and creativity while fostering family bonding and learning experiences.
