Our Toddler Tower has been a part of our home since Harper was 18 months old. I thought about it for a long time until I finally committed to it after the Holidays. For an item that was fairly new to me, it was an investment I was nervous about.
After almost two years of using it, I have to say it was worth EVERY PENNY. Harper uses it multiple times a day. Not only has it encouraged her independence but also given her the confidence to join me in the kitchen.
When to Introduce
It’s completely up to you on when you and your child are ready. Developmentally they should be able to stand up unassisted and climb up into it with minimal assistance.
How to Use
This depends on your household. Below are some suggestions on how we’ve included the toddler tower in our home.
Joining for meal prepping.
Harper has an opportunity to transfer, pour, mix, cut and join as she wishes while being next to me. We work side by side which is such a joy to me and her.
Activities at the counter.
This is a great one when you NEED to cook and they want to be next to you. I pull up a quick activity such as playdough, painting or puzzles on the counter while I cook. It’s a great way for her to be nearby and you be able to get some work done.
Food exploration.
This is similar to meal prepping but just for the exploration of the senses. When Harper was much younger I would put her on the tower just to give her exposure to foods I would be cooking with. She would smell, touch, and occasionally taste the ingredients. It helps take away the “scary” of new food.
Bathroom tower.
This has been a game changer for me in the mornings. Being a mom means we have very little time to ourselves and self-care seems to be the first one to go. By having a tower in the bathroom next to me she would explore or sometimes mimic what I would be doing which gave me time to get ready in the mornings. It also sets a great example for her on self-care steps such as washing her face, brushing her teeth, and getting ready in the morning.
Potential Hiccups
An adult should always be nearby when they’re in the tower. At least until your toddler is comfortable and knows how to use it. For example, they should not be spinning, jumping, climbing, or anything potentially dangerous. Harper stays pretty focused on it but there are days she wants to jump or stick her foot up. I remind her that her feet need to stay firmly down. Each kid is different but consistent positive reminders work for us.
What about Travel
Sense of order is very important for kids, especially young toddlers. For the first four road trip, we did we always brought the tower along with us. Our trips consisted of renting out an AIRBNB and relaxing so it was the perfect way to have her feel independent and empowered while on vacation. The tower (and all of Sprout’s products!) easily disassemble without any tools needed, just a little muscle and you can break them apart for easy travel!
Check out this reel from last Spring, it shows how quickly it is to set up the tower.
The picture below was our first road trip at 20 months. We went to the beach and she was happy to wash the dishes at our AIRBNB.
Overall Review
Sprout is a company I love and appreciate so much. Not only the products for their simplicity but I also love the company. I have had an opportunity to work directly with them and I’ve had nothing but great experiences. Their facilities are in Utah and all products are made here in the US. If you want to learn more about Sprout and their toddler tower, check out their website.
I think the tower is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It gives you the opportunity to encourage independence, involve your child in the kitchen, and know they are safe while doing so. We currently have two towers. One is in our kitchen and one in the bathroom for self-care. One is value grade and the other isn’t, if you’re looking for a cost-saving option I encourage you to check out the value-grade section. I will do a side by side video of them soon. I see no difference aesthetically or in its function. It was a great option for us to have a tower at a discounted rate.
You can find the toddler tower here. Use code HARPS10 for an additional 10% discount valid on all items including value-grade items.
To find a full listing of our items for our kitchen check them out here.
