Regardless of where you use the step stool, there are a couple of safety reminders to follow. “Always place step stools on the ground to avoid falls,” says Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, pediatrician, author of “The Working Mom Blueprint,” and founder of Modern Mommy Doc. “They should never be placed on an elevated surface.” To ensure the safety of everyone who uses the step stool, check the manufacturer’s weight recommendations and age requirements. Consider other helpful features, like anti-slip material on the base and surface, while thinking of where the step stool will be used, such as the bathroom or kitchen. We took into account these criteria when testing step stools for kids in the real world before narrowing down our list here. The compact shape and low weight of the step stool (1.2 pounds) made it effortless to move around from room to room, even for a busy toddler. According to our tester, it was also small enough to fit in under-sink cabinets when not in use. The only downside with the BabyBjörn Step Stool was the lack of adjustability, which is why our tester docked half a point for that category. However, aside from this missing feature, the step stool earned 5 out of 5 stars for its overall value. “Really durable, lightweight, easy to clean, and overall, very safe features for little ones,” said our tester. “It’s constructed very well—solid and sturdy.”  Price at time of publication: $30 Stable and secure, the step stool didn’t move or shift when children stood on it, thanks to non-slip bases. However, our tester said they also used the step stool to reach high shelves in their kitchen but felt the stool gave a little despite the 250-pound weight limit. “I don’t think I’m in danger of breaking it, but it does give ever so slightly whenever I stand on it,” they explained further, scoring stability 4.2 out of 5 stars. The step stool has a simple design that won’t feel like an eyesore in the bathroom, though it’s not exactly a conversation piece. It is lightweight and has a slot in the top for easy portability. Plus, the nesting design saves space when storing both step stools. At $22, this stool is a steal for the features you gain in return.  Price at time of publication: $22 Made of hickory plywood, both sides of the step stool featured a fun T-Rex. Despite its large size, it was surprisingly lightweight and fit well in the kitchen. However, the size was less than ideal in our tester’s bathroom. “It’s a bit too wide to use in our small bathroom at the sink (too wide for the bathroom door to close),” she said. The step stool isn’t adjustable, but this was no problem for our tester and her children. “It works well for helping my kids wash their hands at the kitchen sink or as a step stool in front of a bookshelf for reaching high books,” she said, adding that adjustability didn’t matter compared to the well-made, beautiful construction.  While the $160 price tag is one of the highest on our list, our tester thought the step stool was worth it, given its unique design and usefulness. Plus, children ages 18 months to 8 years old can use this step stool, so you’re sure to use it for a long time. Bonus: You can customize the step stool with your child’s name (up to 14 characters) for an additional $25.  Price at time of publication: $160 The lack of adjustability wasn’t much of a problem for our tester, who took one point off for that category. Our tester noted the “wonderful quality” of durable plastic and appreciated its low, compact profile. The step stool lived in our tester’s small bathroom without taking up much space, and the shorter size allowed cabinet doors to open over it (5 out of 5 stars for design). While the 7-inch height worked great in the bathroom, however, it may not work for shorter children or at taller counters. Regardless of where you use it, two easy-to-grip handles on the side make it easy to carry from room to room.  Our tester scored the step stool’s overall value 5 out of 5 stars, giving credit to its stability and simple design. “We get daily use of it for toothbrushing and hand washing, and it’s not intrusive in the space,” our tester said.  Price at time of publication: $23 “Even though it’s stable and solid, it would be great to have another height option or have it turn into something more useful once it’s done being a stool,” said our tester, knocking off nearly one and a half points for adjustability.  Aside from that detail, the step stool’s compact and simple plastic design was welcoming (and unobtrusive) in any room. Our tester also liked the round shape that set it apart from other step stools. The only downside our tester found was that it doesn’t fold, making it challenging to transport on family vacations or overnight stays at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.  With a 300-pound weight limit, the step stool is safe for nearly anyone in the family. Its simple functionality, appealing design, and anti-slip materials all performed well, earning the step stool’s overall value 5 out of 5 stars.  Price at time of publication: $32
“This is one sturdy stool! It’s not foldable or anything, so once it’s built, it’s built. This baby ain’t going nowhere,” said our tester of the step stool’s stability.  Two built-in handles are on each side, along with integrated storage for books, games, and even potty training supplies.  While the $70 cost isn’t budget-friendly for all families, the high quality of the wood makes it a fair price. Price at time of publication: $70 Our tester was impressed with the step stool’s stability too. “This is very sturdy and has a nice wide platform for kids (and even adults) to stand on,” our tester noted, adding it was lightweight enough for children to move on their own. Despite the smooth metal material, there were no issues with the step stool slipping and sliding, thanks to rubber feet that protected the floors. While the Schoolhouse Utility Stool is just one step, its 10-inch height was enough for our tester’s children to reach the kitchen counters. However, it may be too short for some children or at higher countertops.  This pick is the highest-priced step stool on our list at nearly $200, which is why it lost a point for overall value. Still, with its durable steel material, it should last through multiple family members.  Price at time of publication: $199 The step stool features anti-slip material on the base and surface to keep kiddos safe. “The stool didn’t move or wiggle when standing up,” said our tester, scoring stability 5 out of 5 stars. On the downside, the stool was too short for our tester’s taller countertops, resulting in her child having to stand on their tippy toes to reach the sink.  You can’t beat the $14 price tag on this step stool, especially if you have a Paw Patrol admirer under your roof. Our tester felt the step stool was sturdy and portable, and she even used it for herself thanks to the generous 200-pound weight limit that makes it safe for adults, too.  Price at time of publication: $14
While the step stool doesn’t adjust, the company offers a dual-step version of the same design if you need more height. Weighing only 4 pounds, the stool is light enough for children to pick up and move themselves. It’s important to note the company recommends this step stool for children ages 3 and up.  The step stool’s overall value earned four stars for its strong wood material and stylish design. “I think it’s a great, solid wood stool that can have many functions beyond just a step stool,” our tester said. Price at time of publication: $69  Weighing barely over 1 pound, the step stool is lightweight enough for our tester’s child to carry. Additionally, two holes in each side allowed for easy pick-up. The only downside our tester found was the absence of any adjustability. It’s recommended for children ages 18 months up to 3 years old, which is fine, since the elephant design may not appeal to older kids or adults.  The Bumbo Step Stool is $20, making it an affordable step stool for many families.  Price at time of publication: $20 Despite the step stool lacking adjustability, there are technically two heights for kids to use. “My son is 2 years old, and having the second step allows him to reach the sink and soap well when washing his hands or brushing his teeth,” she said.  The Pillowfort Step Stool is one of the lowest-priced step stools on our list, earning 5 out of 5 stars for its overall value.  Price at time of publication: $15 Once unfolded, the step stool proved true to its 300-pound weight limit with great stability. There were no issues with the step stool moving or slipping, and white polka dots on the top provide traction for feet. The step stool doesn’t adjust, but our 22-month-old tester found other ways to use it while their family traveled in an RV, as a chair on the ground or as a driver’s seat booster (only during stops, of course!).  The step stool earned 5 out of 5 stars for value, considering its affordability, durability, and simple yet functional design.  Price at time of publication: $13 There’s also no adjustability with this step stool, although its height was just right and not a huge step for our tester’s child to make. The step stool folds in half and features a carrying handle for easier portability anywhere. “I love the simple design and easy collapse of this stool,” our tester said. “It’s great for easy storage but still stable for my 145-pound body when I’ve needed something from a high shelf.”  This step stool earned the same 4 out of 5 stars for overall value as the ACSTEP step stool. Its simple design worked well for bathroom use, and its low price is the cherry on top. Price at time of publication: $13
The step stool’s durable wood is available in several finishes, like natural, white, or gray, to fit in with any home decor. “You can’t adjust the height of this stool. That being said, so far, it’s been a great height for my son to wash his hands,” our tester noted about the step stool’s design. The nearly 14-inch height allows children ages 3 and up, and weighing up to 100 pounds, to reach items. There’s also a cutout under the top step to make carrying it easier.  While it is priced higher than many other stools, Melissa and Doug is a well-known, trusted toy company, which our tester took into account when scoring its overall value 4 out of 5 stars.  Price at time of publication: $65
It’s important to note we did not test this learning tower, but it certainly deserves a spot on our list with its solid wood construction. It’s super sturdy with a 250-pound weight limit and has a safe, non-toxic finish. It has a larger footprint than other options, so it’s better for bigger kitchens with space to spare. Price at time of publication: $200 Price at time of publication: $90 This step stool, recommended for ages 2 and up, was tested by four children, ages 3 to 8, and felt sturdy and stable with each child. However, our tester noted while the step stool worked great for her boys, she felt it wasn’t as sturdy for adults with its 154-pound weight limit.  Although the step stool doesn’t adjust, this wasn’t a problem for our tester. “It’s very attractive and sturdy and could be used for multiple children over the years,” she said. The drawback of this step stool was the assembly process, which required a second person to hold the pieces (16 total) in place. However, it’s an affordable step stool, and considering how stylish and stable it performed during testing, it earned 4 out of 5 stars for its overall value.  Price at time of publication: $25 This step stool has a basic design, with a small curve that fits nicely against a toilet. But it was a bit too short for our tester’s 2-year-old to reach the sink faucet and soap. Our tester wished the height was adjustable for her child to have access more easily. However, the grippy material was colorful and bright on the plus side, and the step stool isn’t overpriced, earning 5 out of 5 stars for its overall value. Price at time of publication: $8 This stool has a seamless shape that goes all the way down to the sides without handle cutouts, which made it slightly difficult for a young child to move it around. “It’s got a little bit of weight to it, so anytime she picks it up, it leans forward in her arms, but she’s able to hold onto it,” said our tester, knocking a point off the step stool’s design.  Despite a lack of adjustability, the step stool helped our tester’s preschooler (who is tall for her age) reach both sinks in their house. The step stool’s 6-inch height may be a problem for shorter children or when placed at high countertops.  “It seems like it would last a really long time and would stay looking nice since it’s easy to clean,” said our tester, giving the EKOBO an overall value score of 4 out of 5 stars.   Price at time of publication: Starts at $32 First, testers unboxed the step stools and followed assembly instructions, if any. Next, we asked testers to make notes about assembly, describing if it was easy, difficult, or somewhere in between. We had our kid testers step up and down onto the stools to determine initial stability before standing on them for a longer period of time. We asked their parents and caregivers to make notes of how the step stool performed, including if its height was accessible for their children.  When possible, we asked the children to pick up the stools and move them to another area of their home. We wanted to know if the step stools were light enough for kids and had carrying handles or other features to make portability easier. We asked testers to wipe the step stools down and make a note of any hard-to-access crevices. Finally, we carefully considered all other attributes compared to the price of each step stool to assess overall value.

Step Stools for Kids We Also Tested

Glamore 2-Step Stool: There’s no doubt this step stool was stable with all three pieces, but separating the stools required adult help and affected the stool’s sturdiness.  StrongTek Wooden Portable One Step Stool: Our tester loved the step stool’s beautiful wood design and grippy material but found it less stable with weight on one side. West Elm Kids Mid-Century Step Stool: This step stool’s wooden material was stylish yet contributed to its heavier weight that was difficult for children to carry.

What to Look for in a Step Stool for Kids

Safety Features

Safety is of the utmost importance for children using step stools. Look for step stools with safety features like anti-slip material on the base and surface to prevent tiny feet (and the stool) from slipping and sliding. “An anti-slip mat that’s adhered to the step stool can help to keep kids sturdy as they climb up, especially in bathrooms or kitchens where surfaces are more likely to get slippery,” says Dr. Casares. If you opt for a learning tower, they typically have rails children can grab for extra stability.  Encourage your children to face the step stool when ascending or descending, and to distribute their weight evenly instead of standing on one side or the edge. “Make sure to train your child on how to step on and off a step stool properly, including moving it carefully across the floor to avoid scratches or extra mess,” Dr. Casares adds.

Weight Limit

When shopping for a step stool for kids, it’s important to check the weight limit of the product. If you’re looking for a step stool the whole family can use, you’ll want to consider a higher weight limit. Some step stools have weight limits over 200 or 300 pounds, such as the Skip Hop Large Double-Up Step Stool and ACSTEP Folding Step Stool, so parents and caregivers can often use them, too.  There are also step stools with a lower weight limit for younger children, like the West Elm Kids Sydney Step Stool. Step stools with a lower weight limit are fine for younger children who need a little extra help reaching the kitchen counter, bathroom sink, or other areas.

Product Weight 

Choosing a light enough stool for your toddler to pick up and move around safely is helpful and promotes independence. Some materials, like wood or metal, weigh more than plastic, making it difficult for children to move them independently. Learning towers are heavier than the average step stool, so your help will likely be necessary to move the tower.

Purpose

Consider who will be using the step stool and where they’ll need it. For example, do you want a step stool for your child to stand on to brush their teeth? Or does your child love to help out in the kitchen? Do you want something that will look good when it’s left out in your kitchen, or something you can fold up and store away? For cooking purposes, consider a learning tower such as the Little Partners Learning Tower, if your child is younger. However, a step stool, like the BabyBjörn Step Stool, may work best if your child simply needs a lift up to the potty or the sink.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She and her son tested the StrongTek Wood Step Stool and still use it daily, though she doesn’t recommend it because it could tip when an adult fails to distribute weight evenly. Learning towers and adjustable step stools can grow with your child, but always keep in mind your child’s age and development. Before using any step stool, consult the manufacturer’s guide to see the recommended age range and weight limit. Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. With three kids, her house is full of step stools. She’s ended up with personalized name stools for all three of her kids. Two live in two separate bathrooms and one gets moved around the kids’ rooms. They also have two foldable step stools, and at one point she had a learning tower which she loved but found too bulky for her kitchen.