Reddit mentions of Little Partners The Orignal Learning Tower, Natural

In my house we don't have a TV, so it has never really been an option. My children are now 5 and 2. We did allow both kids to play with an iPhone/iPad for about 30 minutes a day from about 18-20 months, but no screens at all before then. Furthermore, that screen time is only allowed for a few minutes in the morning, and a little longer before the get to bed. Between breakfast and dinner it's almost never allowed.

At the age you're talking about, really 90% of the time the answer is we wore our children. I'm not saying attachment parenting is for everyone, but both my children were worn from a very young age. They both loved it, and my wife and I still regularly wear our 2 year old nearly everyday. For young children that are used to being worn, they generally love just watching whatever the parent is doing. If you imagine being a infant able to roam around the house at adult level, watching all the things you're doing (cooking, cleaning, whatever), it's really as engaging as TV.

When they get older, they might not want to be worn for the whole day, but usually long enough to get tasks done. My older daughter didn't like playing by herself till she was about 3, so I certainly understand the challenges. That said, if TV is not an option, you just learn ways to cope. For instance, we have a learning tower in the kitchen. My 2 year old will spend an hour and half happily watching me prepare dinner from her high perch. Part of that time is snacking, part of the time is watching me, and sometimes she just colors. The point is, without the TV option, both parent and child learn ways to cope.

I believe most of the time when parents say they "can't" function without the TV playing part time babysitter, it's more of a lack of imagination on the parent's part than any any real justification. That said, I don't think children watch will be ruined for life. It's more that without a TV, it opens up many more possibilities for both parent and child, albeit requiring a little more effort.

Not OP, but have friends that have those- they are called 'little helpers' and [yes, they are made specifically for that]
(https://www.amazon.com/Little-Partners-Learning-Adjustable-Toddlers/dp/B001ECHXVC)

I'm also not a fan of large/tall crown moulding, except in large rooms. I feel like it makes the kitchen look smaller than it is here. I feel the same way about the large island- maybe it's just the pics, but it looks like a person can just fit around the one side of it. But! Not my house, so who cares what I think! ;)

You totally didn't mess her up, she's fine. But, if you want to play with her more then find some parent led activities you guys can do. Some examples are reading books to her and talking about whats in the book (like asking her to point out things or name things), dancing together or doing a mommy and me workout, or get a learning tower and let her climb up to the counter and see what you're doing and "help".

She'll be handing you books to read and constantly pulling at your leg in no time :P

I am intrigued by the learning tower, is this what you're talking about?

I have been following a Montessori group on Facebook. The learning tower comes to mind. Your kiddo can watch and/or help out with small tasks like cutting soft fruits and vegetables, stirring, etc.
Here is an example: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Partners-Learning-Adjustable-Toddlers/dp/B001ECHXVC

There is an IKEA hack that can be found on the Internet, since it's pretty pricy. Also, check Craigslist.

I am not sure if 10 months is too young for it. They also make guards, or you can make your own, to put around it so your LO doesn't fall through the gaps.

I have a month to go before my LO is born so I don't have any experience on these things. Currently, gathering info and ideas.

I bought two Learning Towers for $7 each over the weekend. The finish is in rough shape (faded, mostly) but the structure is perfectly solid on both of them.

I have tried Craigslist and local selling groups for $50 each. I had one person who wanted one but when she realized that they don't fold down, she backed out because she's moving and didn't have the room for them. She said she'd contact me after she moved to see if I still had one. Aside from her, no takers, just a few people asking what they were.

I thought they would be an easy flip since they sell for $200 new and they're fairly popular on mommy blogs and Pinterest.

Some more practical feedback...



> He cries when he doesn’t get more crackers

Don't give him crackers. He eats what you eat, no ifs and buts.

> when I turn the cartoons off,

Don't let him watch cartoons on his own. If you watch cartoons you do it together and only before bed time, 30 minutes per day maximum.

> if we don’t hold him,

Then hold him more. No 18m old has ever been harmed by being held too much. If you can't hold him, carry him around in a baby carrier.

> if we tell him to get out of the kitchen so we can cook

Such a missed opportunity! You should be cooking together as a family because that is a great way for him to learn about food and food culture. Worst thing is he WANTS to learn and you are rejecting it.

I recommend buying a play kitchen from IKEA:

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60319972/

As well as as learning tower:

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Partners-Learning-Adjustable-Original/dp/B001ECHXVC