Did you know that there is not yet a Safety Standard in Australia for learning towers?
This means that it is vital for those purchasing a learning tower to be aware of the quality and make of the tower. It also means it is especially important to be aware of whether the tower is being used safely.
Here are 5 things you need to know when buying + using a learning tower! 
1. Do your research
If you are looking to purchase a learning tower, be sure you are looking into the make and materials. Does the manufacturer mention following other safety standards? Can they guarantee that the materials used are safe – for example, are the paints and varnishes used low VOC (volatile organic compounds found in paint fumes) and non-toxic?
2. Adult supervision and checks – always
Make sure the learning tower is on a flat surface and is solid in structure with no signs of breaking. When your child is using the learning tower, ensure any safety bars are in properly and that you are actively supervising them at all times.
3. Is the area clear?
Make sure anything hazardous to a child is out of reach. This is important – giving children access to the top of a bench they usually can’t reach, is likely to give them access to objects they usually can’t reach. Ensure all poisonous, sharp, and hazardous items have been put away. Think the knives, cooking materials, etc. Be aware of any potential spills that could occur from taps being turned on – this could be a slip hazard for everyone!
4. Kitchens and burns
Burns in the kitchen is one of the highest incidents for burns in little ones.
Keep your children away from all hot surfaces including hotplates, cooktops, ovens, air fryers… even having a sink of hot water is a burn risk.
Scalds are the most common type of burn in little ones, with the kitchen being the most likely place for a burn to occur!
5. Put it away!
When not in use, the learning tower needs to be placed somewhere not accessible to little ones. Kids can be very clever when it comes to reaching places we don’t want them to be. An unattended learning tower can give them easy access to dangerous areas in the kitchen—not to mention a hazard for falls.
Learning towers have been getting increasingly popular recently. They are a great way of letting little ones be involved and helping (especially in the kitchen), which is something they love to do. It is just important we do it as safely as possible to prevent injuries 
