A step stool does two jobs in a potty training bathroom: it lets your toddler climb up to the toilet or the sink, and it gives their feet something to rest on once they sit. Check the stool's height, grip, footing and the weight rating on the label. This guide shows how to choose one and how to measure for it.
What the stool is for: climbing up and resting feet
A stool gets a child up to the toilet seat or sink without being lifted, which helps a child who wants to do things alone. It also gives their feet a place to rest. Dangling feet leave a child with nothing to brace against, so a solid footing makes sitting steadier.
At the sink, the same stool puts your child within reach of the tap for handwashing after every visit. At the toilet, check what your child can reach once seated with feet on the stool: the toilet paper, and any baby wipes you keep there, should be within reach without leaning off the seat.
Clothes matter on the climb as well. Bottoms your child can pull down alone, such as elastic-waist pants over underwear or training pants, mean less fumbling at the top of the step.
One-step vs two-step stools
- One-step: lower and more compact, and easy to slide into a tight space. It suits a toilet or sink that is not tall.
- Two-step: taller, with more reach for a higher sink. It takes more floor space and storage, and your child needs to be able to climb two levels safely.
If one stool has to serve both the toilet and the sink, measure both before you choose.
Measuring your toilet and sink height
- Measure from the floor to the top of the toilet seat, with the reducer on if you use one.
- Sit your child on that seat and measure the gap between the soles of their feet and the floor. A stool close to that height gives their feet a place to rest.
- Measure from the floor to the rim of the sink, and from the front edge of the sink to the tap. Your child should be able to reach the water without stretching or climbing onto the counter.
- Check the floor space in front of the toilet and the vanity for the stool's footprint.
Write the numbers in centimetres or inches and compare them with the dimensions on the product page.
Non-slip tops and feet
A top with grooves, texture or a rubber covering gives grip to socks and bare feet. Non-slip feet or rubber pads keep the stool from sliding on tile and vinyl. When it arrives, check that every foot touches the floor and that the stool does not rock.
Bathroom floors get wet, so wipe up water before your child climbs. Do not set a stool on a bath mat or rug, which can shift. If rubber pads peel or wear, replace the stool or stop using it.
Wraparound toilet stools vs straight stools
A wraparound stool has a curve or cut-out so it sits around the base of the toilet. That puts the stool close to the bowl, so your child does not have to reach or step far. A straight stool simply sits in front of the toilet and can move to the sink.
The trade-off is flexibility. A wraparound stool depends on the shape of your toilet's base and the space beside it, while a straight stool suits more bathrooms. Compare the cut-out dimensions on the listing with your toilet before you order.
Weight ratings and what the label says
Look for a maximum weight on the product page, and often on a label on the underside. Compare the number with your child's weight now and as they grow, and think about older siblings who might stand on it. Do not assume a children's stool will hold an adult. Go by the stated rating.
If the page does not state a rating, ask us through the contact page before you order. A limit that is not listed is an unknown. If your child is unsteady on steps and you are not sure a stool is suitable, check with your doctor or nurse.
Storing the stool in a tight bathroom
- Slide it under the vanity or beside the toilet, where nobody trips on it at night.
- Look for a carry handle or a hanging hole if wall space is easier than floor space.
- If it folds, check that it locks open before your child steps on it, and that it folds flat behind a door.
- Wipe it dry before storing, since a wet top is slippery for the next small pair of feet.
Shop this guide
- BabyBjörn Smart Potty, Deep Blue/White (ships via Amazon)
- CheerTry Toddler Potty Training Toilet, Larger, Detachable Seat (ships via Amazon)
- Toddler Potty Training Toilet, 3-in-1 Potty Chair, Purple (ships via Amazon)
- 3-in-1 Toddler Potty & Step Stool, Portable, TPE, Easy-Clean, Splash Guard, Anti-Slip (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Potty Training
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Can the same stool serve the toilet and the sink?
Yes, if the height suits both. A straight stool is the easier choice for that, since a wraparound model is made for the toilet.
Do I need a stool if my child uses a potty chair on the floor?
Not for the potty chair. A stool is for the family toilet and for reaching the sink.
Is wood or plastic better?
Neither wins in every home. A bathroom is damp, so check the material, finish and care instructions on the listing and wipe the stool dry after use.
What age is a stool for?
Look at the age and weight range given by the maker on the product page rather than guessing. A stool can stay in use after potty training, for handwashing and brushing teeth at the sink, so check the upper end of that range too.
If you need help matching a stool to your toilet and sink, send the heights you measured through our contact page. We answer within one business day.