Most toddler towers failed safety tests—here’s what parents need to know

Toddlers love to climb, reach, and copy everything we do—whether it’s stirring pancake batter or rinsing dishes at the sink. For many families, toddler towers (also called learning towers or kitchen helpers) feel like the perfect solution: they give little ones a safe perch to explore while keeping them close during everyday routines.

But new safety tests from Consumer Reports reveal a serious concern: most toddler towers on the market failed when it came to stability and entrapment risks. With only 2 of 16 towers passing both tests, the results reveal a troubling gap: many toddler towers are on the market without clear safety standards in place. Parents deserve transparency on which models are truly safe and how to use them with confidence. 

What the safety tests revealed

Instead of going deep into technical specs, here’s what parents need to know from the latest Consumer Reports evaluation:

• Most towers tip too easily. When researchers simulated the way toddlers lean or climb, 13 of 16 towers failed the stability test.
• Entrapment risks are real. Only five towers avoided dangerous gaps where a child’s body could slip through while their head became trapped.
• Warnings weren’t always clear. Several towers lacked proper labels on age, height, or weight guidelines—making it harder for parents to know when they’re safe to use.

In short: toddler towers are marketed as safe “helpers,” but unlike car seats or cribs, there are no federal safety standards regulating them. Many parents understandably assume these products are vetted, yet most aren’t.

Which toddler towers passed—and which failed

Here’s a breakdown of how each model performed in Consumer Reports’ testing:

Earlier this year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 10,300 Onasti toddler stools after reports that they could collapse or tip over while in use—including one incident that caused a brain injury to a toddler. Motherly covered that recall in detail here. It’s a reminder that even products marketed for young children can carry hidden risks, and why parents can’t assume every tower or stool sold online meets consistent safety standards.

How to keep toddler tower time safe

Even with the safest towers, supervision and setup matter most. Pediatric safety experts emphasize that these tools should always be used within arm’s reach—because while they encourage independence, toddlers don’t yet have the judgment to prevent falls or risky climbs.

Even the most solid towers aren’t risk-free. Here are a few things that can ensure that your toddler’s tower-time is safer:

Choose weight over convenience

A heavier tower might be harder to drag from room to room, but it’s also less likely to wobble when your toddler leans over the edge.

Do quick “kitchen checks”

Before your child climbs in, take 30 seconds to look over screws, joints, and the surface beneath the tower. Think of it like buckling a car seat—small habits add up to peace of mind.

Keep it a together-time tool

Towers work best when they’re part of shared activities—mixing batter, rinsing veggies, or coloring at counter height—not as a spot to leave kids unsupervised.

Reset the environment

Once your toddler is at counter height, the whole kitchen changes. Move knives, mugs of coffee, hot pans, or glass jars out of reach. Flat, non-slippery floors are safest for tower placement.

Match the tower to your child’s stage

Every child grows differently. If they’re still climbing furniture unsafely, they may not be ready for tower use. And once they’ve outgrown the weight or height limit, it’s time to transition to a step stool.

Add your own safeguards

Some parents add grippy mats under towers, use non-slip shoes, or place towers only in one “approved” kitchen zone. Small tweaks can make a big difference.

Related: 4 reasons we’re obsessed with the Boon Pivot Toddler Tower

Why this matters for families

Toddler towers can open up a whole new world for little ones—letting them stir, pour, and explore right alongside you. But the safety risks uncovered in recent tests make one thing clear: not every product lives up to the trust parents place in it.

The good news is that with careful choices and consistent supervision, toddler towers can still deliver on what families love most—connection, confidence, and independence. By focusing on sturdiness, setup, and safe habits, you give your child the chance to learn and participate while keeping accidents at bay.