Our sweet toddlers are growing up fast, becoming smarter and stronger with each passing day, but they still need us to boost them up and help them along the road to independence.
A safe, sturdy step stool is a great tool for helping toddlers fulfill their natural, important urges to “let me do it”. They want to learn and giving them the opportunity to do so is important.
Savvy shoppers will be aware there are lots of step stools out there, some much better (and safer) for toddlers than others.
We took a look at the seven best toddler step stools of 2021, as well as what makes a step stool safe and fun for toddlers, so step up and take a peek!
Editor’s Note: Independence is an important life trait that you can begin fostering at an early age. Keep in mind that child independance comes with a lot of responsibility on your part as the parent.
It’s always best that, while encouraging your child to do more things on their own, you also talk to them about safety while performing these independent tasks.
Our picks of the best toddler step stools
Editors choice
Our opinion
Size: 10.5″ x 15″ x 6.25″
Materials: Plastic
Colors: White/grey
Safety rails: No
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
Non-slip feet: Yes
Unobtrusive and sleek, the Joovy StepTool (check price on Amazon) is a pick that’s useful for both parents and kids. With a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs. and a wide, rounded platform with a full non-slip rubber top, everyone will be able to use this stool safely and with ease.
The lower rim is also skid-resistant, making the hard plastic pick an ideal choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or slippery-finished wood floors. The oval shape makes the stool extra stable, reducing the likelihood of tipping.
It weighs less than two pounds, so it’s easy to tote around and offers a decent height boost without taking up too much room.
What we love
- The step is fully covered in a slip-resistant textured rubber mat, which helps to prevent falling
- Has a rounded shape, which makes tipping less likely
- The 300 lb. weight limit means it’s great for use by both parents and kids
Watch for
- While the height boost is good, the stair platform is a bit small
Upgrade choice
Our opinion
Size: 10.5″ x 15″ x 6.25″
Materials: Plastic
Colors: White/grey
Safety rails: No
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
Non-slip feet: Yes
Step stools aren’t just for function – some picks can add a charming accent to a room, like the Guidecraft Classic Storage Step-Up (check price on Amazon) two-step stool from Guidecraft.
It’s both sturdy and classy, made of durable wood with scalloped cuts that give it a quaint antique look. It’s perfect for a bedroom or playroom, letting toddlers climb into their big-kid beds or reach shelves to put away toys.
This pick also offers an additional place for them to stash their favorite small toys and games, as the top stair is hinged and lifts up to reveal storage space. Parents should note that the feet and stairs of this step stool aren’t slip-resistant, but a roll of rubber grip tape can easily be used to make it extra safe on smooth surfaces.
What we love
- Has a durable wooden construction with scalloped cuts that look great in bedrooms and playrooms
- There are cutout handles on the sides, so it’s easy to move
- The top stair lifts up, giving kids some extra storage space
Watch for
- While the height boost is good, the stair platform is a bit small
- The unit comes without non-slip features, though these can be added with rubber grip tape
- The top stair opens and closes, which might lead to accidental finger pinches
Best budget buy
Our opinion
Size: 15.125″ x 6.5″ x 11.125″
Materials: Plastic
Colors: Black, red, blue
Safety rails: No
Weight limit: 110 lbs.
Non-slip feet: Yes
Simple and economical is often the best bet when it comes to housewares for toddlers, and this durable, lightweight Bumbo Step Stool (check price on Amazon) ticks all the boxes.
It can be quickly toted from room to room at a moment’s notice and is small enough for your kiddo to proudly grab and carry wherever it’s needed, an extra piece of independence.
Both the base and step of this single-step plastic stool have a slip-resistant coating, so it’s perfect on smooth tile. The smaller size of this pick makes it easy to store under a sink or in a linen closet, great for tooth brushing and potty training.
What we love
- Has a durable wooden construction with scalloped cuts that looks great in bedrooms and playrooms
- There are cutout handles on the sides, so it’s not difficult to move
- The top stair lifts up, giving kids some extra storage space
Watch for
- While the height boost is good, the stair platform is a bit small
- The unit doesn’t come with any non-slip features, but they can easily be added with rubber grip tape
- The top stair opens and closes, which can lead to accidental finger pinches
Best toddler kitchen step stool
Our opinion
Size: 18″ x 18″ x 34.8″
Materials: Coated wood
Colors: White, black, natural
Safety rails: Yes
Weight limit: 150 lbs.
Non-slip feet: Yes
Helping out in the kitchen is a favorite pastime of toddlers, but being able to reach the counter is often the missing ingredient in that recipe. Your little sous chef can reach new heights with the SDADI Kids Kitchen Step Stool (check price on Amazon) which has safety rails to protect them while they stand on their new perch.
Non-slip feet make this stool even safer, but parents should be aware that the strips are enclosed but not attached – putting them on is essential. It’s great up to age three, and with a weight limit of 150 lbs, parents can be sure their children stay put.
What we love
- Has two steps and a height of 34″, so lets them reach average kitchen and bathroom counter tops with ease
- Has safety rails, giving your child something extra to grip as they climb onto the step stool, and which closes behind them to keep them safe while in use
- Non-slip strips are enclosed, which can be applied to the feet of this step stool to make it safer on smooth or tiled surfaces
Watch for
- The non-slip strips don’t come attached, so make sure you take time to put them on before your child uses this pick
- Make sure that this stool is only used on a level surface, as its four legged design can make it wobble if the floor is warped
- While this step stool does have a back rail, it doesn't have a latch
Best eco-friendly step stool
Our opinion
Size: 7″ x 14″ x 8″
Materials: Bamboo
Colors: Natural wood
Safety rails: No
Weight limit: 200 lbs.
Non-slip feet: Yes
One thing we can do as parents to feel better about our role in protecting the environment is choosing toys and gear for our kiddos that are manufactured in eco-consciousness.
The Growing Up Green Stool (check price on Amazon) prevents waste in two ways – it’s made of natural wood, plus it’s a sturdy device with a high weight limit that won’t need to be replaced when kids grow.
It’s built to hold up to childhood shenanigans but weighs only a pound, so both kids and parents can carry it easily without risk of damage if they flip it over. The hardy bamboo stool is an ideal multi-purpose pick, as it can be disinfected easily for bathroom or kitchen use but also looks cute in bedrooms and playrooms.
What we love
- Made from sustainable bamboo, and the durability and high weight limit prevent the need for replacements
- The non-slip feet make it easy for kids to stay stable, even on smooth surfaces
- It only weighs one pound, so kids can easily transport their step stool on their own
Watch for
- The step of the stool doesn’t have any non-slip features, but they can be added easily with a roll of rubber grip tape
- The height isn’t extreme, so it’s a better pick for older toddlers
Best potty training step stool
Our opinion
Size: 21.3″ x 14.8″ x 5.9″
Materials: Plastic
Colors: Blue, pink
Safety rails: No
Weight limit: 166.5 lbs.
Non-slip feet: Yes
Potty training is an essential part of the parenting adventure, but let’s face it, it’s nobody’s favorite time. It can be stressful for parents and kids alike, and the victory hurrah of cleaning out a training potty is less than delightful.
The GrowthPic Potty Training Seat (check price on Amazon) converts your standard toilet into a totally safe potty training chair for toddlers, teaching them early how the real thing works and saving you from unpleasant and preventable cleanup.
Setup takes only seconds, as the seat base sits neatly on the regular toilet seat and the stool’s legs extend onto the floor and add a step, letting them climb up easily and safely.
What we love
- Makes potty training easier by eliminating the messy use of training potties that can lead to awkward transitions later on
- The stair of the stool can be adjusted to two different heights, perfect for growing kids
- There are non slip grips on the feet, the stair and the underside of the seat, preventing sliding at all points
Watch for
- Unusually high-seated toilets may be too tall to use with this device
- It’s a toilet training chair, so will need disinfected regularly, with lots of small areas to clean
- Always supervise your child while they get on this potty stool because it can tip easily if they lean too far to one side
Best toddler step stool with rails
Our opinion
Size: 39″ x 24″ x 22″
Materials: Wood
Colors: Soft white, apple green, dark cherry, ebony, espresso, natural, red
Safety rails: Yes
Weight limit: 500 lbs.
Non-slip feet: Yes
It’s easier to feel good seeing our toddlers expand their independence when we know they’re safe. The Little Partners Learning Tower Kids Step Stool (check price on Amazon) is great for kids up to age six, giving them a major height boost that lets them access counter and tabletops.
Sturdy safety rails on all sides keep them safe while they work on craft projects or help out in the kitchen. The 15″ x 18″ slip-resistant platform gives them plenty of room to move around while being certain they maintain sure footing.
Soft pads on the feet of the stool help to stabilize it while in use, and it’s tested to be safe at weights up to 500 lbs, making it easily the most durable pick on our list.
What we love
- Has been safety tested for weights up to 500 lbs. - so no danger of collapse
- Wide-standing platform has a non-slip surface, so they won’t feel too restrained and can move around safely
- It’s a tall step stool, so they can reach high counters and tables easily
Watch for
- It’s a fairly large pick, so make sure you have the space to store it
- Potential choking hazards present, so not suitable for kids under three years
Best 2 step stool for toddlers
Our opinion
Size: 10.5″ x 12.7″ x 14″
Materials: Plastic
Colors: White/grey
Safety rails: No
Weight limit: 175 lbs.
Non-slip feet: Yes
If you’re the parent of more than one child, there’s no doubt you’re familiar with the “mine” struggle. Arguments can come down to the simplest objects, from plastic cups and couch pillows to – you’ve guessed it! – step stools.
The iLove 2 Step Stool for Kids (check price on Amazon) isn’t just good for big tribes, though. It’s also handy if you want to stash these little height boosters in two different rooms, especially when you’d rather keep bathroom objects confined to the bathroom.
These stools are sturdy, made of hard plastic, with two slip-resistant steps and slide-proof footing. Stored together, both stools stack conveniently, scoring them big points in the space efficiency department.
What we love
- Comes as a two pack, so great for keeping them in multiple rooms or sharing between siblings
- The footing and stairs are slip resistant, so they’re safe even while wearing socks
- The stools stack on top of one another in storage, so they don’t take up much room in a closet or cabinet
Watch for
- They’re a bit on the short side, so they’re better height-wise for older toddlers
- The top step isn’t as wide as some other picks, so less room for them to maneuver
Best collapsible step stool
Our opinion
Size: 12.8″ x 11.5″ x 1.9″
Materials: Plastic
Colors: White/black
Safety rails: No
Weight limit: 200 lbs.
Non-slip feet: Yes
It’s rare to find the kind of gear that both you and your toddler can make serious use of, but this space-efficient pick is safe for both kids and adults. The Handy Laundry Collapsible Step Stool (check price on Amazon) is an economical footstool that folds together for use, but stores flat to minimize the impact on cramped storage spaces.
The non-slip feet and surface prevent potential accidents, and it’s lightweight, so a breeze for you or your kiddo to carry. It offers a nine-inch height boost, and the durable, easy-to-clean plastic construction makes it a versatile pick that’s great in any room where needed.
What we love
- Thanks to the 200 lb. weight limit and platform size, it’s useful for both you and your kiddo
- The platform and feet are non-slip, so there’s little danger of falling
- It’s collapsible, so folds flat for space-efficient storage
Watch for
- Choking hazards present, so not suitable for children under three years
- Only parents should fold and unfold this stool to prevent pinched fingers
A parent’s guide to toddler step stools
How step stools foster independence
When toddlers can boost themselves up using a safe step stool, they can access a world formerly only available with parental help.
This offers opportunities for them to learn to do certain things by themselves. Of course, it’s essential that adults supervise and guide toddlers as they learn, ensuring that the process is safe.
Wondering how a step stool can offer your toddler independence?
- Tooth brushing: Good dental hygiene is essential, and making it a part of their daily routine is important.1Health, S. O. O. (2014). Maintaining and improving the oral health of young children.Pediatrics, 134(6), 1224-1229.pediatrics.aappublications.org
Using a non-slip step stool will allow your child to reach the sink basin, letting them practice brushing and rinsing their teeth on their own. Step stools with rails are especially recommended for this.
Climbing into their big kid bed: When toddlers are ready to move on from a crib, getting into a big kid bed on their own can be a challenge. A bedroom step stool allows them to climb up into bed to nap, sleep or play.
Using the adult potty: There are step stools specifically designed to help your child get used to using the adult potty. One noted on our list simply slides over the toilet bowl, allowing children to climb the small set of stairs and creating a smaller seat that’s perfect for their size. These are a great addition to toilet training, as they familiarize toddlers with the way a regular toilet works.
Editor’s Note: Instilling good oral hygiene routines early in life will be continued on through adulthood. So fostering this independence with a stool so that your little ones can brush their teeth will set them up for success.
Consider this before buying a step stool
When making your final pick, you could be choosing from a number of quality offerings. Having a strong idea of what you need and what you’re looking for can help you nail down the right pick for you and your kiddo.
Wondering what to consider?
- The room you’re using it in: Some step stools are specifically designed for the bathroom or kitchen. They’re generally made of hard plastic that’s easy to disinfect, making them the perfect picks for potentially germy environments. If it’s for a bedroom or playroom, plastic step stools are great, but there are also durable wooden picks that can double as a charming accent when not in use.
- Safety features: Anything your toddler will be standing on needs to be safe and stable. That means picking something with non-slip floor grips, particularly if used on a smooth surface. Non-slip pads or rubber texturing on steps also goes a long way to preventing potentially dangerous falls.
- Stool size / what it’s needed for: Some step stools for toddlers give a minimal boost, while others have two or more stairs enabling them to reach more significant heights. If they only need a small step up, a little one is okay, but they may need two-step stools to reach sinks, counters, or other higher areas.
And our winner is…
When it comes right down to it, we want the stool that gets the job done. The Joovy StepTool (check price on Amazon) is good for both kids and parents, which also means it’ll stay useful to kids as they grow.
It’s an extra safe pick thanks to the slip-resistant stair and base, along with the oval shape of the structure, which helps children to avoid tipping.
It has just the right height boost to let growing toddlers in on the action and doesn’t hog space while in storage, making it a clear winner in our book.
