The step stool is one of the most functional pieces of equipment that you can buy for your kid or toddler. It is often neglected, but why, I don’t understand. Since these stools are really affordable, virtually anyone can afford them, helping to improve the functionality of your kid and improving their overall reach to explore new things.
While I could not use them myself and my bodyweight will surely snap one in half, I have searched everywhere to help me understand the step stool and which of them will work well for most children. In this article, we explore the step stool to find out exactly which of them works the best and how you should go about choosing the right one for your kid or toddler.
Best Kids And Toddler Step Stool
The step stool is something you can use over and over again. However, buying one before the time is right is generally recommended to help the kid or toddler adjust and get used to these step stools. I have asked many mother and medical pediatricians to assist me in the search for the best options and here. You can find everything you need to know about these functional baby stools:
Bumbo Step Stool
The Bumbo Step Stool is one of the first step stools to help your child expand their reach. It is small and portable, with an integrated rubber surface that helps the child keep from slipping off when they lose their balance. Since the stool is extremely portable, it can be used all over the house and it also aids the child in potty training, should the potty be a little large.
As we have already mentioned, these stools are fundamentally designed to fit the budget of any parent. I like the stylish design and many children like to explore the stool for a while when it arrives as a novelty in your home. We definitely recommend it for the non-slip surface that should aid every child in reaching wherever they need to.
Pros:
- Small and portable
- Stylish design
- Multifunctional use
- Really affordable
Cons:
- The stool could be a little wider for more safety
BABYBJORN Step Stool
The BABYBJORN Step Stool makes it onto our list for the stylish design it brings to the table. Being slightly wider than the Bumbo stools, many parents feel the safety is a little better. A rubber mat has been integrated to the top of the stool, this gives it a slip-resistant surface that works to keep your child safe, even when they have wet feet.
Since plastic is the main material used in the design and the rest of the stool is completely waterproof, you should not need to worry about keeping it clean. Once the stool has been used, you can simply use it rinse it under a tap and leave it to dry. I would recommend this stool for the wider surface and the additional safety it offers the child.
Pros:
- Non-slip rubber mat included
- Really affordable
- Simple and easy to clean
- Solid and stable
Cons:
- A thorough clean might be a chore with the rubber surface
Joovy StepTool
We all like to have modern items in our home and when it comes to your baby, you should consider a modern design. While the square design works well, I have found the rounded design to offer a little more stability. Additionally, the solid rubber surface once again keeps the child from potentially slipping and being seriously injured. However, we still recommend vigilance.
According to the manufacturer, this stool has a maximum weight limit of up to 300-pounds. This means that mommy can also use the stool when daddy is not home to perhaps reach somewhere she could not otherwise. This stool is extremely comfortable and since it can be used by virtually anyone on the family, it offers some versatility. Unfortunately, it is a little more expensive.
Pros:
- Great durability
- Designed for all family members
- Extremely stylish
- Easy to wipe and clean
Cons:
- A little more expensive
Jeronic 11-Inch Folding Step Stool
Next, we have the Jeronic 11-Inch Folding Step Stool and this step stool is designed for your child to reach the sink whenever needed. It is made from solid plastic and the integrated rubber is what makes it perfect for keeping the child safe. Since it can be folded, you can remove it out of the way with ease when you need to.
The stool might be large, but unfortunately, it does lack a little bit of stability and parent supervision is definitely required. It is slightly large for potty training and it is available in multiple different colors for every person to enjoy using. The maximum weight limit is a staggering 200-pounds, allowing adults to use it as well.
Pros:
- 11-inch design
- Holds up to 200-pounds
- Available in multiple colors
- Really affordable
Cons:
- Lacks a little stability
KidKraft 15501 Stool
KidKraft is one of the most recognized brands for children equipment on the market today. The KidKraft 15501 Stool hits you from a different angle and it features a stair-like design and since it is made from solid wood, you won’t have any troubles when it comes to stability. It is available in black and white to meet your home décor.
Unfortunately, the stool lacks the slip-resistant feature and this might pose a little risk to many parents. If you will be using it with parent supervision, the stool will definitely work fine to help your child expand their reach.
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Solid wood construction
- Can be used by adults as well
- Massive reach expansion
Cons:
- A little expensive
- Not slip resistant
Frenchi Home Furnishing Step Stool
The Frenchi Home Furnishing Step Stool is one of my favorite stools and it is based on the same design as the previous one from KidKraft. While it is great for expanding the reach of your child, the stool also lacks the slip-resistant feature and this could be hazardous.
However, if you plan to supervise the child, it will be an excellent addition to your furniture. This stool is definitely recommended for both adults and kids alike.
Pros:
- Modern sleek design
- Solid wood construction
- Reasonably priced
- Multifunctional
Cons:
- Not slip resistant
The Growing Step Stool by Little Partners
When you have a toddler that grows fond of the step stool or you are looking for the best longevity, The Growing Step Stool by Little Partners is one of your best options. It is much larger than many of the other we have seen and included a side panel for the child to grab hold of for safety. However, the best feature is the adjustability for the child as they grow up.
It is really stable and attractive, but expensive as well. However, you will never need to buy another stool ever. The 250-pound weight limit offers a lot for your child and we would definitely recommend it as the best high-end stool.
Pros:
- Stable and durable
- Can be adjusted if needed
- Longevity
- 250-pound weight limit
Cons:
- Really expensive
Best Step Stool For Potty Training:
Potty training is a phase all of us went through and while our parent struggled, you don’t need to. The best step stool for potty training is designed for every kid to help them reach the potty. Here are the best options we selected:
Dual Height Step Stool for Kids
I found the Dual Height Step Stool for Kids to be one of the most functional options on the market today. Not only is it sturdy and durable, but the traction is off the chart on both of the steps. Thanks to this, the stool can be used for multiple purposes. I would definitely recommend this stool to any child in the potty training phase.
Pros:
- Stylish and functional
- Reasonably priced
- Multifunctional
- 150-pound weight limit
Cons:
- The stool is rather narrow
Mommy’s Helper Contoured Cushie Step Up
The Mommy’s Helper Contoured Cushie Step Up is one of those stools that you will use when it comes to teaching them how to use the potty. This stool is designed to help the child overcome the fear of using the steps and it locks into place in front of your toilet. Fortunately, it is also really affordable, making this a great bargain for every mother.
Pros:
- Really affordable
- Excellent safety features
- Locks into place
- Adjustable
Cons:
- Lacks overall stability
Cozy Greens Step Stool
The Cozy Greens Step Stool features the perfect size and design for stability. The stool is made with footprints that have decent traction and should not allow your child to slip. Since the base is rather wide, it is really comfortable as well. This is one of the cheaper options for parents and should last you through many children going through potty training.
Pros:
- Excellent stability
- Great traction
- Durable
- Really cheap
Cons:
- No real cons
Toodle Doo Step Stool
Last but certainly not least, we have the Toodle Doo Step Stool. With such an attractive design, the stool is ideal for children who like to step on the graphic. I like the added rubber, giving you the best possible traction and even more the stability. It is slightly expensive but versatile with two steps making the stool ideal for multiple years of use.
Pros:
- Excellent traction
- Stylish and attractive design
- Easy to clean
- Versatile
Cons:
- Slightly pricey for what you receive
Key Features To Consider When Buying The Best Step Stool For Your Child
Now that you have seen all of the top step stools, you might be wondering which features are the most important. Since these stools are simple and easy to find, we have only isolated a few of the major features that need to be looked at before you buy:
- Height: Depending on the age of the child, the height will play an important role. If the stool is a little too short, your child might not use it comfortably. We recommend looking at the age and the recommended height. Your pediatrician can also help determine this.
- Traction: If the stool does not have any traction, your child might not really enjoy using it. Having a rubber cover on the stool means that your child will have more traction, with the slip-resistance improved when their feet are wet.
- Stability: I find the stability to be fundamentally important and you need a stool that is rather heavy. Many people think lighter is better, but the heavier the stool, the more it will be planted in the ground.
- Design: if your child will use the stool for multiple years and they might need a stool that grows with them, you should look for an adjustable stool. These might be slightly more expensive, but they will definitely make a difference.
- Safety: Handrails and other safety features play a massive role to give you peace of mind. Since the safety of your child should be your main priority, we recommend looking for something with additional safety features.
Which One Of These Stools Will You Choose?
zxzzWe hope that all of these stools have helped you in making the right decision. We would love to read some of your comments and find out which of them you like. Let us know in the comment section what your experiences were with any of them. Additionally, we would like to see if you think we might have missed any other of your favorite stools.
