Montessori Learning Towers

Yes, a learning tower is worth the investment for most families with toddlers aged 12 months and older. A quality learning tower like the myduckling range typically lasts 4–5 years thanks to adjustable height platforms, meaning your child can use it from early toddlerhood through to age 6. Based on feedback from over 300 families across Australia and New Zealand, parents consistently describe their learning tower as one of their best parenting purchases — giving toddlers safe, independent access to kitchen benches, bathroom sinks, and craft areas without being held. The myduckling range starts from $225 NZD for plywood models and up to $329 NZD for solid rubberwood with included extras like a drawing board and stool. When compared to the daily inconvenience of lifting a growing toddler multiple times, or the safety risk of stacking chairs, a purpose-built learning tower offers both practical value and peace of mind for years.

Most toddlers can start using a learning tower from around 12 months of age, once they are able to stand independently and take supported steps. myduckling learning towers feature adjustable platform heights — two levels on the LOLA series and three levels on the JALA and MILA series — allowing you to set the standing surface at the right height as your child grows. For a 12–15 month old, set the platform to the lowest position so they can step in with minimal assistance. Parents in our community report that by 18–20 months, most toddlers climb in and out of the tower confidently on their own. Always supervise children under 2 years during use, and ensure the tower is placed on a flat, non-slip surface away from hot stovetops. The adjustable design means children can continue using the tower comfortably until age 5–6, making it a long-term addition to your home.

Yes, mydckling learning towers are rigorously tested and certified to meet Australian and New Zealand safety standards, including AS/NZS ISO 8124-1:2019 for mechanical properties, AS/NZS ISO 8124-3:2021 for migration of certain elements, and EN71-3:2019 for chemical safety. Every tower is built with FSC-certified solid wood or high-grade plywood, non-toxic water-based paints, and zero-formaldehyde materials. Standard safety features across the range include non-slip steps, enclosed side guards to prevent falls, and a wide base for tip-resistant stability — all tested to support up to 100kg. Parents should always supervise toddlers under 2, keep the tower away from stovetops and sharp objects, and place it on a flat, stable surface. For added security with younger toddlers, the optional Learning Tower Safety Net attaches to the front opening. These safety measures allow children to explore at counter height with confidence and protection.

myduckling offers three learning tower series, each designed for different family needs. The LOLA series has two adjustable height levels, a built-in magnetic whiteboard (plywood version) or dual-sided drawing board with chalkboard and whiteboard (solid wood version), and is best suited for younger toddlers aged 12–36 months. The JALA series has three adjustable height levels, an included stool for multi-child households or bathroom use, and comes in both plywood and solid wood options — the solid wood models also include a dual-sided drawing board. The MILA series is a folding design with three adjustable heights, ideal for smaller kitchens or homes where storage space is limited. Prices range from $225 NZD for plywood models to $329 NZD for the top-of-range JALA Solid Wood with stool and drawing board. All series are tested to the same AS/NZS ISO 8124 safety standards and support up to 100kg.

Choose the JALA series if you want a tower that grows with your child longer, and the LOLA series if your toddler is under 2 and you prioritise a built-in drawing board at a lower price point. The JALA series offers three adjustable height levels and includes an additional stool — useful for a second child or as a bathroom step — while the LOLA series has two height levels and may be outgrown sooner as your child reaches age 3–4. In solid wood, the JALA ($319–$329 NZD) includes both a dual-sided drawing board and stool, while the LOLA Solid Wood ($285 NZD) includes the drawing board without a stool. For families with children aged 12 months and up who want maximum versatility and longevity, the JALA Solid Wood is the most popular choice based on parent reviews. Both series use the same FSC-certified materials and meet identical AS/NZS ISO 8124 safety standards.

Absolutely — a learning tower is versatile enough for use in multiple areas of your home beyond the kitchen. Parents across our community regularly use myduckling towers in bathrooms for handwashing and teeth brushing, at dining tables for snack time, and in play areas for arts and crafts at counter height. The JALA and LOLA Solid Wood series include a dual-sided drawing board (magnetic whiteboard on one side, chalkboard on the other) that turns the tower into a standalone creative station anywhere in the house. The included stool in the JALA series doubles as an independent seat for reading corners or bathroom use. For portability between rooms, the MILA folding tower weighs less and stores flat when not in use. Simply ensure the tower is placed on a flat, stable surface in any location, and keep it away from hazards like stairways, windows, or hot appliances. Many families find the tower becomes a daily fixture that moves between kitchen, bathroom, and living areas.

A learning tower provides an enclosed, railed platform that a toddler stands inside safely, while a step stool is an open surface with no side protection. This key difference makes learning towers significantly safer for children under 5, as the surrounding rails prevent falls from counter height. myduckling learning towers also offer adjustable platform heights (2–3 levels depending on the series), meaning the tower adapts as your child grows — a feature standard step stools lack. Beyond safety, learning towers serve multiple functions: the JALA Solid Wood series includes a built-in dual-sided drawing board and a detachable stool, effectively combining a safe standing platform, creative station, and step stool in one product. Step stools are lighter and more portable, but they require constant supervision with toddlers and offer no containment if a child leans or loses balance. For families with children aged 1–5 years, a learning tower is the safer, more functional long-term choice.

All myduckling learning towers are designed and tested to support up to 100kg, which far exceeds the weight of a young child and provides a substantial safety margin. This 100kg load capacity applies to every model across the JALA, LOLA, and MILA series, whether in solid rubberwood or plywood construction. The strength comes from 18mm-thick panels and reinforced joinery, ensuring the tower remains stable even when an active toddler shifts their weight or an adult leans on it during supervised activities. In practical terms, this means the tower can safely hold a child plus the downward force of an adult steadying them — a common scenario when toddlers are first learning to use the tower at 12–15 months. All weight capacity testing is conducted in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 8124 safety standards. The robust construction also means the tower maintains its structural integrity over years of daily use across multiple children in a household.