We are mom-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

The 7 Best Step Stools For Toddlers and Kids


Recent studies indicate that giving children the tools and space to exercise their independence is correlated to reductions in depression and anxiety disorders. Step stools are one small way to give toddlers the freedom to be helpers, hand washers, and have greater access to taller spaces. We’ve done extensive research and selected step stools that are safe, functional, and reasonably priced.

Best Step Stool:
Best 2 Step Stool:
Best Step Stool with Rails:
Best Potty Step Stool:


Best Toddler Step Stools

Bumbo Step Stool is 2 inches taller than Tundras Kids Step Stool, and you can stack two Bumbo stools for more height.

Bumbo Step Stool

Starting with the basics, Bumbo Step stool is the perfect step stool to help your little one being able to reach the sink or even the toilet.

What makes it so great

It’s a one-step stool about 7 inches above the ground. Bumbo step stool is made of plastic (so no assembly required!) which makes it very light and easy to carry. It’s lightweight yet sturdy enough to hold up to 110 pounds. Plus it’s a slip-resistant surface and base. Technically its feet are slip-resistant. I mean it’s made to look like cute elephants’ feet after all. In any case, I was sold when I read that it resists skidding on multiple surfaces. A kick test confirmed it too.

Appearance wise the Bumbo is adorable looking! It comes in a variety of colors (non-slip parts only) while the base stays white.

It’s the right height for your toddler to reach up to the sink and be able to wash hands or brush teeth completely on their own. Not only that, Bumbo can also be used as a potty training stool so your child can use it for easy access on/off the potty. Unfortunately, it may not be high enough to be used in the kitchen as a mommy’s helper, but can definitely be used for reaching high enough to grab what’s needed off shelves and similar places.

Bumbo Step Stool is great for traveling too since it’s so lightweight and hollow from inside. You can easily chuck it in the suitcase and take it with you. It’s got holes to be used as handles on both sides so even your toddler can help you carry it! Also, it’s much lighter on the wallet.

Maintaining isn’t too hard. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth should do the trick. The non-slip parts do snag on quite a bit of dirt, so it does require regular clean-up.

It doesn’t take too much space. It measures about 15.125″ W x 7″ H x 11.125″ D. One trick to add on height is to order two Bumbos Step Stools and stack them on top of each other (they stack and nest). It adds about another inch or two in case you need additional height boost.

Why you need it

  • Sturdy
  • Lightweight
  • Non-slip surface and base
  • Can hold up to 110 pounds
  • Easy on the wallet
  • Easy to store
  • Portable
  • Can be stacked and nested

The downside

  • Non-slip surface snags a lot of dirt

Tundras Kids Step Stool

Potty training is one of the most popular uses for a step stool. Kids need to be able to reach the toilet and the sink during the whole bathroom process, so a curved step stool is a perfect choice.

What makes it so great

The Tundras Kids Step Stool only weighs one pound. And yet it is still able to support up to 70 pounds of weight. And even though that’s the listed weight limit, you could occasionally step on this stool as an adult and it won’t break.

I know you’ll laugh at this, but parents can actually use this stool, too. It elevates your feet and makes it easier to go potty. No need to spend a bunch of money on a toilet stool when this will do the trick for much, much cheaper!

The dimensions of the stool are about 14.5 inches wide x 9.75 inches long x 5 inches tall. That’s just right for tiny feet. The height of only 5 inches means that this is probably better suited for taller or older children since 5 inches isn’t going to give a just-turned-two-year-old enough of a height boost.

It’s not a perfect square, which is why it’s ideal for the potty. The curved design helps it fit next to the toilet more snugly. That means less chance of it sliding around while your child is trying to climb up. When it’s time to stand at the sink or counter? Just flip it around, with the curve going up and over like a rainbow. That still gives your child plenty of space for their feet and the shape is actually more ergonomic.

Anti-slip polka dots on the top will help keep your child from slipping. That’s the other reason why this one is perfect for potty training and bathroom use. A little wetness won’t make this stool useless. Plus, it’s easy to disinfect the plastic because you won’t have to worry about damaging the paint or stain. Use disinfecting wipes to your heart’s content!

There is a bottom mat that keeps the stool from sliding around on the floor. This lining goes around the 4 corners and keeps the stool secure. The sides of the stool have a carrying handle, which is actually 2 holes. I would prefer a single, larger opening, but it does the job when children are carrying it.

Why you need it

  • Non-slip design
  • Curved for use around toilets
  • Easy to clean/disinfect
  • Lightweight
  • Inexpensive

The downside

  • Only 5 inches tall
  • Limited color choices
  • Weird carrying handles

Best 2 Step Stool for Toddlers

The KidKraft Two Step Stool is sturdy, safe, and can be personalized to match your child’s room.

KidKraft Two Step Stool

KidKraft Two Step is my go-to step stool for sure.  It has two steps making it accessible for younger toddlers to be able to reach those out-of-reach places.

What makes it so great

It’s perfect for your growing child, KidKraft recommends using it for kids between 3- 8 years old though it worked absolutely perfectly with my 2-year-old. The bottom step is about 6 inches above the ground, with the second step, the height of the stool goes up to 14 inches. It can hold up to 81 pounds which is okay, although I would have loved a greater weight limit.

The Two Step stool requires assembly. If you’re anything like me (zero construction skills) then it may take about 20 – 30 minutes to set up even though the instructions are pretty straightforward. For the average person, it should take about 15 minutes.

It’s crafted really well and has a high-end finish. Handle holes on either side of the top step make it easy to carry, even your toddler can carry it (well maybe not the toddler since it’s slightly heavy at 10 pounds). Currently the Two Step stool is available  in white, espresso and natural wood color. Bonus tip, if you get the natural color you can always customize it by painting it over with a color of your choice or even adding your toddler’s name on it.

Maintaining and cleaning the Two step is pretty simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth and you’re done.

Size-wise it’s pretty standard for a wooden stool, it measures about 15.5″L x 13″W x 14″H. Whether your toddler is reaching for the sink, toys or even in the toilet, the low center of gravity prevents the stool from tipping over. It’s made of wood which gives it a strong robust base. However, I would recommend adding non-slip tape on the step and on the base as an added precaution.

For the price, I wish it had more features like storage under the top step. But overall, it’s a pretty good buy.

Why you need it

  • Sturdy
  • Easy to assemble
  • Can be customized
  • Compact
  • Easy to clean

The downside

  • Does not come with a non-slip surface/base
  • Not portable or suitable for travel

Best Toddler Step Stools with Rails

The Guidecraft Kitchen Step Stool has a folding design for easy storage, unlike the Stool and Tower and Little Partner’s 3-in-1. All these stools can support over 125 pounds.

Toddler Step Stool and Standing Tower

KATARUS Toddler Step Stool for Kids Two Step Standing Tower for Kitchen Counter, Bathroom Sink & Toilet Potty Training, Children Step Ladder Learning Helper with Handles and Safety Non-Slip Pads, Grey
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

The Stool and Tower is another combo stool that lets your child reach and stand at kitchen counters and bathroom sinks.

It can also stay in the hallway bathroom in front of your toilet during potty training season. Your toddler will be able to rest their feet while sitting on a potty training seat.

This two-stepper is light and strong with smooth, easy-to-grasp handles. It is BPA-free and high-grade plastic that will hold up to 200 lbs. That means mom and dad will probably using it when they need that extra reach.

The stool is easy to put together and measures 16 x 17 x 24 inches. It weighs only 5 and a half pounds. Watch out because your toddler will be able to carry or drag this around and reach places they haven’t reached before!

We added this to this list because it is one of the highest-rated step stools for toddlers and we knew you would like it!

Guidecraft Kitchen Step Stool for Kids

Guidecraft Classic Kitchen Helper® Stool and 2 Keepers - Natural: Wooden Adjustable Height, Folding Kitchen Step Stool for Toddlers, Chalkboard and Whiteboard Message Boards, Supports Up to 125lbs
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Guidecraft Kitchen Step Stool for Kids is a standing platform as well as a stool. It lets your toddlers join you in activities at the counter or table with hands at just the right level. The surrounding style of this stool makes it perfect for toddlers on the younger end of the spectrum.

What makes it so great

The Guidecraft is 23″ wide, 23″ deep, and 36″ high. It is made of solid hardwood and birch plywood and the standing area is covered by a non-slip rubber mat. The pieces are connected in a sturdy way so that the stool doesn’t wobble and remains rigid even if your toddler is jumping around.

The wood wipes off easily when cleaning is necessary and the edges are smooth and rounded.

It can be configured with an additional barrier so that your child can’t slip out the back or it can remain open except for the rail that is always around the child’s torso. 

This stool folds flat and will sit against the wall without taking up much space. To fold you raise up the wooden platform and the sides bend in the middle.

The sides are cut out in square, star, and round shapes to add style and interest to the design.

Although this is named a step stool, it is made for your child to crawl up into more than step into. Once up, they have plenty of room to move around.

The Guidecraft has to be assembled. Most people don’t have any problem putting it together but a few have said they had problems getting the screws in right.

While the price of this platform is higher than the other stools on this list, it is still not the most expensive in its category. The main additional benefits you get for this price are that it will last through multiple children, it has a large standing area and the standing area will feel secure to your little one with a rail on all sides.

While the price is significantly higher than some of the other options, it comes in four colors and has a unique folding design. It’s built to last through generations of children and work purposefully. 

Why you need it

  • Sturdy
  • Protects child from all 4 sides
  • Can hold up to 125 lbs
  • Lightweight
  • Folds flat and stands flat against the wall

The downside

  • Expensive
  • Assembly required
  • Not really a stool

Little Partner’s 3-in-1 Growing Step Stool

Little Partners Growing Step Stool Learning Tower Adjustable Height Nursery, Kitchen or Bathroom Footstool - Wooden Non-Tip Design for Both Toddlers & Adults (Espresso) Growing Step Stool
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

Little Partner’s 3-in-1 Growing step stool is a long-lasting option. It’s well built and pretty sturdy. I mean it can hold up to 250 pounds! Safe to say I know adults will be using it as well.

What makes it so great

It’s very versatile being a 3-in-1, with 3 positions the stool can be adjusted to. Start with the bottom step which is 8 inches above the ground. As your toddler grows you can add a second step that increases the height from the ground to 12 inches. Finally, the third step raises the total height from the ground to 15 inches. You can adjust the height according to your child’s height and the surface that needs to be reached. The added support of the railing is a fantastic option for kids to learn to be more independent in a safer way.

The Step stool does require assembly and takes about 20-30 minutes to get it all set up if you’re not that handy. The final product comes with non-slip strips that you can stick to the steps to prevent any such accidents.

The Growing step stool is made from birch wood with Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) construction; that’s going to last you a very long time. It does come in a variety of colors which means whatever color your furniture is in, Growing Step will blend right in.

Kids can chime in and help parents in the kitchen since this is a safe, skid-proof way for them to access countertops. Safe and stable for reaching out to the kitchen sink, bathroom (think brushing teeth, washing hands without having to set the little one on the counter or your arms). If you have toddlers who try to jump out of the crib when they get up, I know that definitely caused my strand of white hair. Well, another use of Growing Step is that it can be placed in the crib, letting the kids an easier and more secure way of letting themselves down. Obviously, there are other considerations doing this, but I’ll leave that up to your judgment.

Maintenance is pretty easy. All it really needs is a wipe down with a damp cloth and you’re done. The non-slip strips do seem to catch quite a bit of dust so be prepared!

The Growing Step is that it’s pretty big in size. It measures about 20″L x 15″W x 32″H. It does take up a considerable amount of space. But because of its size, it’s also stable and does not topple over.

It’s also on the pricier side of the spectrum. Given that it can be used for both kids and adults, it may very well be worth an extra $$.

Why you need it

  • Sturdy
  • Great center of gravity and balance
  • Can hold up to 250lb
  • Can be used by kids and adults
  • Available in many colors
  • Allows kids to hoist themselves up independently
  • Non-slip surface strips

The downside

  • Takes a lot of space
  • Expensive
  • Difficult to clean the non-slip strips
  • Not portable or suitable for travel

Best Potty Step Stool

With rails and a folding mechanism, the Step Stool Ladder Training Seat is designed for easy potty training.

Step Stool Ladder Potty Training Seat

Potty Training Toilet Seat with Step Stool Ladder for Kids and Toddler, Sturdy Potty Ladder with Soft Padded Cushion for Boys and Girls by BlueSnail (Desert Blue Leatherette Cusion)
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

The Potty Training Seat with Step Stool Ladder serves the main purpose for a toddler stool, and that is getting to the potty. It comes in a blue and a mint green color.

This is a one-step up, turn around and sit, stool and seat as you can see in the picture. The handles are placed just right to help your child steady herself.

The seat is made to be placed on the toilet with the toilet seat raised so that the potty training seat fits on top of the bowl.

This ladder and seat are made of PP material and are strong enough to support kids up to 7 years old or 110 lbs. The seat itself has a cushy pad that is removable and washable.

Note: One thing you need to measure is the height of the toilet where you will be using it. This works on toilets that are 15 to 16″ inches from the floor to the base of the bowl. Small height adjustments are possible because the legs adjust to different angles.

The unit folds up and is light and portable.

While it is nice to have a combination step ladder and toilet seat, you may find that a separate stool and seat are more adaptable and easy to use, though not as convenient to store.

The Best Toddler Step Stools Compared

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


How to Choose a Step Stool

While researching for the perfect step stool I realized a couple of don’ts that all parents should think about just for sheer convenience.

  • Do not get a folding step stool for your child. They will be using it daily for a good amount of time, it’s going to become a pain open and closing it again. Or your child is going to want to try doing that and may hurt those little fingers. Not worth it, trust me.
  • Should be for multiple uses. If you’re splurging on a step stool make sure you can use it in multiple ways or by multiple people (ie adults). If you’re spending a lot then might as well make sure you get your money’s worth out of it.
  • Make sure it’s easy to carry. It will be used in multiple places within your home and you do not want it to be a heavy piece of furniture.

FAQs – Toddler Step Stools

At what age can a toddler use a step stool?

Most manufacturers list 18 months as the minimum age for using a step stool. A good rule of thumb: if your child is ready to potty train, they should be able to use a step stool. However, some stools are safer for young toddlers than others. Always check for safety features like anti-slip rubber, rails, and sturdy construction to make sure your child doesn’t fall while using a stool.

How tall is a toddler step stool?

Some step stools are short and close to the ground, while others provide a lot of height to your toddler. The step stools in this list range from 5-18 inches from the ground. The lowest step stool is from Tundras, while the tallest step stool is from Guidecraft.

What is the safest step stool?

Along with the safety features we’ve already discussed (anti-slip rubber, rails, and sturdy construction), you should also choose a stool that will support your child’s weight. Some step stools are designed for toddlers and only toddlers, while others can support a larger child and even an adult. Always check the product’s weight limit to ensure that your child will be safe while using it. The Little Partner’s 3-in-1 Growing Step Stool has the highest weight limit, supporting up to 250 pounds.


Ayesha Ahmed

I'm a stay at home mom to a 2 year old daughter. My background is in consumer behavior so I'm super critical and wide angled when it comes to making baby product purchases. Unless they are so darn cute that all logic escapes my mind:)



2 thoughts on “The 7 Best Step Stools For Toddlers and Kids”

  1. It turns out the Kid Kraft Two Step offered on Amazon is now made of particle board, not wood. Seemed like the best option for me, but I can’t see paying $30 for particle board.

    Reply

Leave a Comment