As your little one grows up, they are going to need a helping hand to do daily activities.
Whether this is a stool to help them with washing their hands or teeth at the sink, using the toilet, or getting in the baths, step stools are a great way to help them do so without relying on mummy or daddy every time.
They are even perfect for when your little one wants to help you out with chores or cooking and can help them reach surfaces they can’t on their own.
A good step stool will take your child to higher heights and will promote independence and develop their self-help skills as they grow into their shoes.
But what do you need to look out for when buying a step stool for your toddler? What ones are the best on the market and how can you know they are trusted by other parents? Here is where this article comes in handy.
We have considered the best step stools on the market, taking into account reviews, essential features, safety and durability, and more.
We have also added in a handy buyer’s guide and frequently asked questions section so you have all the information you need surrounding step stools before investing in one for your little one’s needs!
Let’s jump in!
BlueSnail Double Up Step Stool For Kids
First on our list is this BlueSnail Double-up Step Stool!
This step stool is perfect for helping your child with multiple different needs from helping them wash their hands, brush their teeth, or even sit-down training in the bathroom as it is a multi-functional model.
It is lightweight but can still hold up to 176 pounds, meaning you can carry it to new locations and the handles allow you and your kids to easily pick up and move the stool.
When we tried it out, we found even very young toddlers were strong enough to move it themselves.
Despite its portability and weight, it is still sturdy enough and safe enough for your toddler to stand on it with ease.
It has wide sturdy platforms with non-slip bases and can help toddlers stand on their own two feet firmly planted.
It also comes in four different colors, so you can choose based on your toddler’s personal preference. You can choose between white, pink, blue or gray.
The best thing about this stool is that it is 2 in 1. This means you can use the two stools together to help your toddler reach higher surfaces or use them separately.
It has an interlocking design to help them stay attached and also anti-grip steps for when your toddler wants to climb up them together.
Pros
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Two in One Design
- Lightweight and portable
- Safe and durable with non-slip bases
Cons
- Rubber feet can fall off
- Interlocking design can be prone to wearing down and loosening
Also Available at BlueSnail: BlueSnail Double up Step Stool for Kids
Wooden Toddler Step Stool For Kids
Next on our list is this wooden toddler step stool from WoodCity. If you are looking for a wooden design for your step stool, this might be exactly the product you are looking for.
With non-slip feet and anti-skid mats on the bottom of the feet, it helps your child reach higher heights but keeps them planted on the ground.
We also found the wooden material of this stool more sturdy than plastic models of a similar design.
The natural wood holds up to 200 pounds and promises not to break or crack like plastic, giving parents peace of mind. Not only is wood durable, but it is also an eco-friendly material and is a green solution to baby furniture.
It also has a very clever design which fits against the wall.
It allows the feet to be perpendicular to the ground and this means you don’t have to worry about your toddler’s feet falling in the gaps between the steps and wall as you do with other designs.
The size of the stool is not too big but not too small either. It will match most counter heights and has handles holes on either side for when you need to move it around the house.
A perfect wooden stool ideally for developing independence and perfect for toddlers beginning to potty train.
Pros
- Eco-friendly material
- Stong and sturdy
- Feet perpendicular to the ground for a firmer setting
- Holds up to 200 pounds
Cons
- Not suitable for toddlers under 3 years of age
Also Available at WoodCity: Wooden Toddler Step Stool for Kids Bathroom Potty Stool & Kitchen Stool
Kids Best Friend Boys Blue Step Stool
The third step stool we have reviewed is this blue step stool from Angels.
Although it says ‘boys’, the popping blue color appeals to everyone and it is a great best friend to buy your toddler to assist them with everyday needs!
It is also one of the more budget-friendly options but is still considered one of the best and safest stools on the market.
This is a stool suited for all rooms, whether helping your toddler in the kitchen, bathroom, or living room and is a comfortable and sturdy stool for all ages.
As with similar models, it has an anti-slip top which will stop your child from slipping and falling as they are gaining independence and the anti-slip grips at the bottom will also help in this department.
It has a child-friendly handle and since it is only one step, when we tried it out this meant it was even easier to relocate for toddlers.
However, bear in mind, that this product will not support over 70 pounds but with a 5-inch height, it is the perfect size for potty training.
Pros
- Suitable for all ages
- Budget-friendly
- Very portable and lightweight
- Ideal height for potty training
Cons
- Only supports up to 70 pounds
- Only one step and sometimes not tall enough to reach certain sinks
ACSTEP Folding Step Stool For Kids
Next on our list is this folding step stool from ACSTEP and we promise this is going to make your little one smile.
It not only has back support so you can double this stool up as a chair, but this support has a giant smiley face on it to brighten up the day when your child is trying to gain some independence.
This step stool is collapsable and will help a child feel more comfortable than other models without back support.
It is portable and has an easy carry build-in handle which appears when you fold the chair down. It is also lightweight and folds into one compact piece which only measures 2 inches wide.
This means it is great when you have not got much storage space!
Although it is lightweight, it is still super strong and durable and made with new PP plastic which can stand years of frequent use without any wear and tear.
It can hold up to 300 pounds and since it has rounded corners, to adapt to rounded corner designs, you do not have to be worried about your child being injured through collisions.
We tried this stool out and found it would be suitable for toddlers of all ages due to its high safety features but also the strong weight it can hold!
The smiley face also put a smile on everyone’s face and the textured surface on the top was a hit.
Pros
- Smiley face on the back support to brighten up the day
- Back support included
- Folds down into compact size for storage
- Can hold up to 300 pounds
Cons
- The step is strong but the back part is flimsy
- It can pinch fingers when folding down
ECR4Kids Reach-Up Step Stool With Support Handles
We’re finishing with this reach-up step stool with support handles from ECR4Kids. And yes, you read that right, this stool even has support handles to help your toddler balance themselves as they are climbing the stool.
This Birch step stool is designed to help your toddler get into areas they can’t reach and is perfect for any preschool or daycare since the handles ensure children’s safety when they climb.
Not only does it have handles, but also has a non-slip textured surface which means your toddler’s feet will not end up slipping and they won’t end up losing their balance.
It also stops parents from worrying about them kicking the stool from beneath them.
As we mentioned with the other wooden design in this list, it is an eco-friendly option and again, we found the wood to be a lot sturdier than the plastic designs.
It is constructed with sustainably harvested birch plywood and this means it will not endure any nasty scratches and is easy to clean since it is also finished with a wood lacquer.
Birch plywood is durable and has a grain that compliments any interior. Like the previous design, it also has rounded corners for added safety.
Pros
- Wooden design means it is extra durable
- Very safe with added built-in handles
- Eco-friendly material
Cons
- Can slide a little on wooden and tile floors so no-skid pads are recommended
Buyer’s Guide
The buyer’s guide we have included below will include all the information you need on the features you need to look for in a step stool, as well as durability, benefits, and safety.
Before you buy, you should research your chosen step stool to make sure it is the right one for you, and compare your stool to the things we have considered on this list to ensure it is safe, usable, and suitable for your toddler.
So what things do you have to keep in mind when researching? Let’s take a look:
Maximum Weight Capacity
When buying a step stool, it can be tempting to buy one that seems sturdy and will bump your toddler up to higher heights.
If the material is strong, it will hold my baby, right? Well, this is not always the case.
You might even hop on yourself to test it out but we’re going to tell you why this might not be your best idea.
Every step stool has a maximum weight and this should be labeled on the manufacturer’s label or website.
If you do not take note of this beforehand, and you or your toddler steps on it to find it come crashing down, don’t expect a replacement from your warranty as you should have thought of this before purchasing.
Avoid guessing the weight capacity as it can be deceiving.
The construction, materials, and design are what determine the weight capacity of a stool and so it is impossible to work this out on your own.
Dimensions
When buying a step stool, you need to keep in mind that dimensions will change depending on what you plan on using it for.
You might need a taller stool for the kitchen and reaching the bathroom sink than you would for potty training.
You also need to keep in mind the size when considering where you will store it and evaluate whether you want an adjustable height for this purpose.
The dimensions should also let you know what the size of the stepping surface is to avoid your toddler falling off and hurting themselves.
Manufacturers will always label the dimensions for you and let you know if it is collapsible.
Material
Speaking of material, you also need to check out what your step stool is made of.
You will find a lot of step stools are made out of plastic or polypropylene, but wood is also increasing in popularity because it matches these materials in terms of durability but is also eco-friendly.
Plastic and wood are also much lighter than metal which means often, your toddler will be strong enough for them to move the stool about on their own without needing your constant attention and help.
Weight
The step stool, as we just mentioned, should be light enough so that your toddler can move it about the house on their own.
Weight is influenced by the material, so by checking the material first, you will have a solid idea of how much the stool is going to weigh.
It is also determined by the additional features, so if your step stool has lots of steps, safety rails, or other functionalities, expect it to weigh a little more.
By making sure the stool is light enough for your toddler to carry around, you are encouraging them to build even more independence and reliability.
However, if you need a sturdy stool for helping with kitchen cooking, the heavier stool could be better as it adds stability.
Anti-Slip Surface
Safety should always be your top priority when buying anything for your little one, including their step stool. Different models will have different features such as safety rails and anti-slip or anti-skid features.
You need to make sure the surface is also anti-slip so your little one has a firm surface to stand on which will prevent them from losing balance and slipping off.
Look out for if the base has anti-skid features or pads too so that it will stay in place no matter how much your toddler moves on the stool
Additional Features
Finally, you need to keep an eye on additional features such as whether it has a warranty, what colors are available for you to buy, and whether the stool is adjustable.
A warranty means you have peace of mind if the stool breaks and certain manufacturers let you test out the performance and durability of a product for yourself beforehand and give you a money-back guarantee if it is not for you.
Keeping in mind the color of your step stool means you can select your toddler’s favorite color or one to match your decor and make sure it is adjustable means you can adjust the height wither for storage, or usage and stages of toddler development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Step Stools Used For?
Step stools are helpful in a toddler’s development and journey to independence.
They can help them with potty training, reaching high shelves, reaching the sink to clean their teeth or wash their hands, and also helping with painting and decorating.
How Old Should A Child Be To Use A Step Stool?
Generally, toddlers start using step stools when they are between 1 and 3 years old. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended age range first for your chosen stool.
Are Step Stools Safe?
Yes, they are safe. But always research the safety features of a product beforehand such as anti-slip properties and never exceed the maximum weight limit.
Can You Build Your Step Stool?
Yes, you can! But bear in mind, that it might not have the same safety features and durability as one that has been professionally made.
You will need to source your materials such as wood and measure and cut these first before following guidance online on how to secure it all together.
