The 5 Best Kids' Step Stools for the Bathroom of 2026
Transparency Note: We independently select these products based on research and user reviews. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
A reliable step stool is the first step toward bathroom autonomy for a growing child. In a Sustainable Sanctuary, we believe that giving children the tools to care for themselves is the ultimate form of stewardship. But as a parent of four children, I know firsthand that not all stools are created equal.
Between potty training toddlers and helping school-aged kids reach the sink, our stools have been climbed on, splashed, and dragged across every inch of the bathroom. We evaluated the leading models for weight capacity, non-slip grip, material sustainability, and, most importantly, how well they stand up to the chaos of a large family.
Best Overall: Wood City Bamboo Two-Step Stool
This is a real-world favorite for a reason. It is constructed from solid, sustainable bamboo and features a widened base that is nearly impossible to tip. In a house with four kids, this is the stool that stays in the "main" bathroom because it looks like high-end furniture.
Pros: Solid bamboo construction; 200lb weight capacity (adult-friendly); built-in side handles.
Cons: Natural wood can be slippery if used with wet socks (we recommend adding grip strips).
Why we chose it: Having used this with my own children, the height is perfect for transitioning from the sink to the toilet. It’s heavy enough to be stable but light enough for a 4-year-old to move. Having used this with multiple children, the water-resistant finish is the real winner, it doesn't warp even when the "sink splash" gets out of hand.
Best Budget: IKEA FÖRSIKTIG Step Stool
When you have four kids, you often need a stool in every corner of the house. This classic is the most cost-effective way to provide access without breaking the bank.
Pros: Extremely affordable; non-slip rubber dots on top and bottom; stackable.
Cons: Only one height level; plastic construction.
Why we chose it: It is the most practical choice for secondary bathrooms. Because they are stackable, they are easy to store in a closet when the "littles" aren't using that particular bathroom.
Best for Small Bathrooms: Melissa & Doug Step Stool
Known for their high-quality wooden toys, Melissa & Doug makes a solid wood stool that is compact enough for tight powder rooms but stylish enough for a curated home.
Pros: Available in multiple finishes (White, Natural, Espresso); very sturdy; easy-carry handles.
Cons: Single-step only, which might be too low for toddlers under 3.
Why we chose it: This is the "Goldilocks" of stools for a Sustainable Sanctuary. It feels traditional and safe, and the finish is incredibly easy to wipe clean.
Best Heavy-Duty: Little Partners 3-in-1 Growing Step Stool
This survives the "four-child stress test." It is a specialized piece of furniture that features a 3-position adjustable height, ensuring the stool "shrinks" as your child grows to keep them at the perfect ergonomic height.
Pros: Adjustable height; supports up to 250 lbs; Greenguard Gold Certified for low chemical emissions.
Cons: Large footprint; takes up more floor space than standard stools.
Why we chose it: This is a "buy once, use forever" item. Because it supports 250 lbs, it transitions into a permanent "high-shelf" stool for adults once the kids outgrow it, making it a truly sustainable investment.
Best Non-Slip: Squatty Potty Kids' Step Stool
This stool features an aggressive non-slip texture that is ideal for children who are still finding their balance.
Pros: Contoured to fit around the base of the toilet; easy to wipe clean.
Cons: Modern plastic aesthetic. Though we have noticed you can get Bamboo.
Why we chose it: From a parental perspective, the "wrap-around" design is brilliant because it stays out of the way of adult feet while remaining perfectly positioned for the child.
What to Look for in a Kids' Step Stool (The Parent's Perspective)
The "Wobble" Test
With four kids running through a bathroom, a light stool can easily become a projectile or a tripping hazard. Look for a stool with a wide, flared base. If you can nudge it with your foot and it tips, it isn't stable enough for a high-energy household.
Material: Bamboo vs. Plastic
Bamboo/Wood: Heavier and more sustainable. I prefer these for the master or main bath because they don't look like "kiddie gear" and they stay put on the floor.
Plastic: Best for "high-splatter" zones (like next to the bathtub) because they can be bleached or scrubbed with our DIY Tea Tree Spray without fear of damaging the finish.
Grip and Traction
Wet feet are a constant in a bathroom with four children. Look for stools with rubberized treads or a sandpaper-like "grip tape" on the steps. If the top is smooth plastic or wood, it becomes a skating rink the moment a child steps out of the bath.
FAQs
How many stools do I need for a large family? Ideally, one for every sink that a child uses daily. In our house, we keep a permanent bamboo stool in the kids' bath and a folding stool in the downstairs powder room. I often found that the upstairs bathrooms’ step stools would go missing. Where would they go? My kids would take them to their bedrooms; because of that, I also have step stools in the kids’ bedrooms as well.
Are wooden stools hard to maintain? Not if you choose the right finish. We recommend wiping them down weekly with a natural cleaner to prevent soap scum from bonding to the wood.
When can a child stop using a stool? Most kids move away from stools between ages 7 and 9, but it depends on their height and the height of your vanities.
Why Trust Sustainable Sanctuary?
Our reviews aren't just based on specs, they are based on lived experience. As a writer and parent of four, I know that the best product is the one that is safe for your child, kind to the planet, and durable enough to withstand the beautiful chaos of family life.