DIY A Sleek & Safe Toddler Tower On A Budget With Some IKEA Finds

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Keeping your toddler safe at home without worrying that they're going to do or grab something they shouldn't, can be a challenge. There are lots of ways to child-proof your home, but sometimes you may want your little one to get hands-on and observe the tasks you're doing. Toddler towers are child-friendly stools that allow your children to get involved with daily activities. They encourage independence and help develop practical life skills, all while keeping safety in mind. The problem a lot of people find with toddler towers is that they are often quite expensive. For example, the COSYLAND stool, Amazon's current overall pick, often retails for around $70, but other branded options can cost well over $100. Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune if you're willing to make one yourself. You can DIY your own toddler tower out of two small pieces of furniture from IKEA, the BEKVAM stool and the HAGERNAS stool. 

To complete this DIY IKEA hack, all you're going to need are the two stools, some strips of pine or MDF, a handful of screws, and a drill. It's a quick, simple project that can definitely save you money in the long run.

Firstly, build the BEKVAM stool as per IKEA's assembly instructions. Next, you want to grab your HAGERNAS stool and flip it upside down, and place it on top of the BEKVAM. Drill them together securely, fixing a screw at each corner of the stool. Now that you've got the desired height of your tower, you need to build a frame to support your toddler.

Measure out three pieces of wood, so each length can join the legs together, leaving one free side at the back. This will create a barrier. Repeat the process halfway down the stool for extra support, and so your toddler won't slip out. Secure a wooden dowel at the back of your toddler tower, leaving them enough room to climb into it, but making sure that once they've stood up, they can't easily fall out.

Although IKEA recommends staining the BEKVAM rather than painting it due to possible slippage, you can still do it. To customize it, choose a color that you think your toddler would love. Use wood filler to fill in any holes, sand it down for a smooth finish, then grab some spray paint and give it two solid coats. Spray painting your wooden stool is generally quicker than traditional brush-on paint. Just make sure you protect your surroundings and have enough ventilation. If you do decide to go with paint, consider adding a rubber mat or non-slip stickers to the base where your toddler will be standing for extra safety.