The 5 Best Step Stools for Kids of 2024

Dimensions: 10.5"H x 13"L x 14.2"W | Non-slip Step: Yes

It's not hard to love the iLove Step Stool. Honestly, we think this option is handy to have around the home. It is supportive (figuratively and literally), boosting your little one to new heights so they can practice newfound independence or desire to “Me do it!” It is very lightweight, and tots have no problem lifting and moving it. The dual-height design is versatile and can reach higher heights or accommodate siblings of different sizes, such as an older child who may only need a little boost. The stool sports non-slip material on the steps, reducing the possibility of slips and falls, and the base has anti-skid material with decent traction. The iLove flexes as weight increases and returns to form after weight lifts, protecting against cracking under heavyweight or drops.

We couldn't identify any serious flaws with the iLove, and we found it to be suitable for most needs. However, the iLove's performance while testing the probability of skidding is only adequate, not rock solid like some contenders. It slid slowly under pressure and not quickly. We recommend this product for families looking for a lightweight, two-level stool with anti-skid and non-slip properties. We think the iLove will give your child the boost they need wherever you plan to use this option. You may also want to consider the Wood City Step Stool for its impressive anti-skid properties or if you want to avoid plastic.

Dimensions: 12.5"H x 13.5"L x 14.3"W | Non-slip Step: No

The Wood City Step Stool stands out in the competition for multiple reasons. It is one of the tallest and offers sturdiness, durability, and impressive anti-skid ability. This dual-height wooden stool uses non-toxic varnish, and the product's smooth surface is easy to wipe down, a perk because step stools will likely build up grime and dirt from little feet, and even potty training will result in more than a few drops here and there. When it comes to anti-skid ability, the Wood City is a top performer, and attributing factors to this impressive feat are the product's weight and the surface area of its anti-skid pads underneath. You can worry less about little feet falling through with no gap between the steps. This product requires assembly, but the task is quick and easy. Between its weight limit of 200 lbs and the wood material, we think the Wood City offers longevity and will likely be around to help you and your child reach tall bookshelves, kitchen cabinets, and closet spaces for a long time to come.

We want to clarify that this product does not offer slip-resistant material on the steps where feet stand. Therefore, we worry about children wearing socks without grips or water droplets from hand-washing or teeth-brushing, creating a slippery surface. If you are worried about slipping, we like the BabyBjorn Step Stool for keeping things steady. The Wood City is also heavier than plastic contenders in this review, weighing 5.5 lbs, and may take some muscle to move for toddlers. But, if you can overlook these drawbacks and have your sights set on a durable product with powerful anti-skid ability, we think this option could meet your goals.

Dimensions: 6.7"H x 15"L x 11.2"W | Non-slip Step: Yes

The Bumbo Step Stool is budget-friendly, stable, and slightly taller than other one-level stools we looked at. Toddlers can easily move it around the home, and its contour design fits snugly against the toilet base. Its anti-skid ability on hard flooring is noteworthy and better than other options in our tests. It also features a somewhat tacky, non-slip surface that keeps little feet from slipping, using socks or barefoot. This one-level stool should be enough to get on and off the toilet; plus, it is easy to clean - an essential factor when toilet training your little one.

Depending on your child's height, this one-level stool may be too short to reach the sink's faucet. But this may not be a deal-breaker since adults are likely there to supervise. If you want a stool with a two-level or taller design, the supportive iLove Step Stool can help get shorter children closer to the countertop. We recommend the Bumbo for families who want an economical, incredibly stable, one-level stool.

Dimensions: 10.5"H x 22.5"L x 12.8"W | Non-slip Step: No

Sharing a stool can be a source of conflict for most siblings. Thankfully the Simplay3 Sibling Step Stool brings peace and order. This product allows both children to stand on the sturdy stool together. The Simplay3 will accommodate children of similar or different heights in a two-sided design. On one side, it combines an elevated step and a low step. Flip it over, and it becomes a long, same-level step. This stool is plastic and does not feature slip-resistant rubber. Instead, it has a textured surface. With a weight limit of 300 lbs, use this stool as a flat bench for parents next to the tub - a bonus perk.

The Simplay3 is bulky and long, but it can stand vertically or on its side when not in use, which is somewhat space-saving. Still, we wonder if families with small bathrooms will eventually find the repetitious task of moving this stool a bother. Those living in smaller spaces may be better off with a foldable option like the HandyLaundry Step Stool to free up limited real estate. The steps of the Simplay3 do not have non-slip material and instead feature texture for added grip, which is better than none. Compared to other contenders, this option may be considered a decor eyesore. But do not let appearance cloud your judgment. It works. Who wouldn't want to sacrifice decor for sibling peace and sanity? So, if you have children who quarrel over the step stool and have extra space in your bathroom, look no further; we highly recommend the Simplay3.

Dimensions: 8.7"H x 12.5"L x 10"W | Non-slip Step: Yes

The HandyLaundry Step Stool is foldable, portable, and best for families with small bathrooms or kitchens. It features a carry handle, and its flip-open design makes it easy to use. This stool is nearly 9", slightly more than other one-level products in our review. It has a slip-resistant dot surface to prevent feet from slipping, plus the anti-skid pads on the feet are adequate. When not in use, fold this stool and store it behind a door or under the sink, keeping the floor free of obstacles.

There is a higher chance of pinching or trapping little fingers with a foldable stool - ouch! Older children may have more finger placement awareness than younger toddlers, but we suggest adult supervision until mastery. If pinching concerns you, consider one of our non-foldable option contenders like the sturdy and 7-inch tall OXO Tot Step Stool. Despite this drawback, we recommend the HandyLaundry foldable option to families with limited space.

Dimensions: 7"H x 13.8"L x 10"W | Non-slip Step: Yes

The OXO Tot Step Stool is sturdy and durable and offers 7" of height. It features two handles (on opposite sides), making it easy to carry and reposition. The non-slip material covers the entire step, which is a plus in our book. Also, the anti-skid bottom is noteworthy as it keeps the stool from moving on the floor when little feet are aboard.

The step's surface is light in color and may show where dirty feet stand after time. However, this may be a small trade-off, given the stool's durability and stability. The Bumbo Step Stool has a darker standing surface if you worry about how a lighter color might look over time. If you like to deep clean for your step stool, we suggest buying a small brush to scrub around the raised texture on the slip pad. If you seek a one-level plastic stool with a non-slip step to help your child reach the sink, we think the OXO Tot checks most of the boxes.

Dimensions: 6"H x 13.8"L x 9.3"W | Non-slip Step: Yes

The BabyBjorn Step Stool may be the shortest product in our review, but its sturdiness is impressive. This plastic, lightweight, modern stool is available in various colors. It has excellent non-slip material on top (one of the best in the competition), and anti-skid pads on the base perform decently when under pressure.

We worry that this stool lacks the necessary height for shorter or younger children to perform self-care skills, like hand-washing and teeth-brushing at the bathroom sink. The iLove Step Stool is taller at 10.5 inches and could be a better choice for some situations or children. Over time, the white surface with many small squares on the BabyBjorn will show dirt and is a chore to clean. Luckily, a black surface option is available, which hides the color of dirt. This is a sturdy option if your child is tall enough. However, if your child is younger or short for their age, we do not recommend this stool unless you plan on using it to reach lower items.

Dimensions: 7"H x 14"L x 9.2"W | Non-slip Step: No

The bamboo Growing Up Green Step Stool may appeal to those who prefer an eco-friendly product over plastic. The stool is slightly heavier than plastic contenders, but it is still easy for toddlers to carry than traditional, dual-step wood stools. Plus, with a weight max of 200 lbs, we see this product offering longevity for children and adults.

The stool feels durable and looks great in any room, but it lacks stability features that we consider essential. The slats are better than a smooth surface, but the lack of slip-resistant material raises concerns for children wearing socks without grips. The anti-skid pads under the stool's feet are drop-size and create almost no friction on the floor, making this product one of the easiest to push around. The horizontal slats catch grime, and cleaning will require some effort. Lastly, as one of the narrowest products in our review, it can be tricky for toddlers to turn around on it when using the toilet. Yet, if purchasing an eco-friendly bamboo product is crucial to you, this stool will get the job done if you are willing to overlook a few flaws. Those who aren't should consider a stool with anti-skid and non-slip features like the Bumbo Step Stool.

How We Test Kids' Step Stools

We researched more than 20 potential contenders for our step stool review, both designed for children and offering a more general design. We then purchased the two rated options for testing. We used each product for an extended period to evaluate performance and gather details. We took measurements, weighed each contender, and tried them out in various locations around the home. Plus, we observed little testers using the step stools and took notes. Collectively, our hands-on testing and tester feedback influenced the overall ranking of products.

Why Trust GearLab

Supervising and leading our review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor and Nanny with nearly 14 years of childcare experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to BabyGearLab. Toddlerhood is no unknown territory for Molly as she often teaches children self-care skills, like hand-washing, teeth brushing, toilet training, and more, which require using a step stool to reach heights. So, there is no doubt that Molly can tell you what works. Also contributing to our review are little testers. We appreciate their involvement as it allows us to analyze our metrics from a child's perspective. We purchased each product and completed hands-on testing and side-by-side comparisons to assess performance for our review.

Analysis and Test Results

We tested hands-on and side-by-side the stools in this review to help you find the best option for your goals and budget. We assessed each stool for ease of cleaning, stability, size, and more.

Ease of Cleaning

A product that is easy to wipe down and clean can make all the difference, and we considered this when ranking our lineup. Indeed, daily use will result in dirt and grime. The Wood City has a smooth surface that we think is a breeze to clean. On the flip side, the Simplay3, BabyBjorn, and Growing Up Green have deeper grooves that may require more effort and some tools to reach nooks and crannies. The Bumbo has a black surface where little feet stand, and this color will hide dirt. However, a stool like the BabyBjorn with a white surface will show dirt yet camouflage toothpaste and soap splatter.

Stability

What good is it if a stool skids on the floor, causing children to lose balance or, worse, injury? How about steps that lack non-slip (a.k.a slip-resistant) material? Honestly, no stool is perfect, and children are wiggly creatures, so accidents will happen—the likelihood of falling decreases with a sturdier design, which is why this metric is important. We value stools with generous anti-skid material on the base and slip-resistant material (typically rubber) on the steps.

We pushed and shoved each product on wood and tile flooring to test its skidding probability. The Wood City has the best performance, followed by the Bumbo. These two have anti-skid bases with a greater surface area, contributing to their success. On the flip side, the Growing Up Green did not perform well with small, drop-size anti-skid pads.

The BabyBjorn offers complete coverage of slip-resistant material to keep little feet stable, along with the Bumbo and OXO Tot Step Stool. Unfortunately, the Wood City does not provide any slip-resistant material. The Simplay3 offers a textured surface instead of slip-resistant material, which is better than nothing.

Size

Before purchasing a stool, decide where to use it and consider your child's height. Collectively this will help you determine the appropriate size to meet your needs. Our review provides the dimensions for each product so you know what you are getting. The tallest product is the Wood City, whereas the BabyBjorn is the shortest. The widest is the Simplay3, which can fit two children side-by-side. However, the HandyLaundry is the narrowest, plus it folds up, which is excellent for smaller spaces. As for depth, the Wood City is the most substantial, whereas the Growing up Green is not.

Conclusion

Is your tot ready to reach new heights? A step stool will be their new best companion and your best tool to support their independence. You may be surprised to see what your little one can accomplish with an added boost. We are confident that our lineup provides the necessary details and recommendations to help you find the perfect step stool to support your child in their next stage.