I’ll never forget the moment right after my oldest’s first birthday when he pushed a kitchen chair up to the counter and swiped a second cookie from the bag.
It was a first: my baby was using his problem-solving skills to get the job done. Never mind that the job at hand was purely of the sugary variety (I’ve found that there’s nothing like the promise of a cookie to motivate the young and old alike).
It was amazing to watch the little guy use his noggin like that. And before long, he was refusing offers to help him reach things; he was independent and did not need assistance, thankyouverymuch.
The problem was that while he wanted to do things for himself, sometimes the actual climbing was beyond his skill set. What he lacked in coordination he made up for in toddler bravado.
My mom bought him a little stool with a handle that he could drag around and boy, did that thing get a few hundred miles on it by his second birthday.
It’s been fun to watch my younger two reach this toddler milestone as well. Now we have several step stools around the house. My favorite is in an upstairs bathroom; it has a decidedly vintage feel. No matter the style, step stools are great because they give toddlers a sense of independence and autonomy when there are so many things that they’re still unable to do on their own.
I’ve rounded up a great collection of toddler-size step stools, which I believe is one of the staples of the toddler years. Does your toddler have one?
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Your toddler will love using this crocodile step stool to reach the sink
Purchase the bObles Tumbling Crocodile at Amazon! -
This simple and modern stool from Ikea can be used long after the toddler years, and it's a bargain at only $14.99!
Find it at Ikea. -
Your toddler will love blasting off with this rocket-shaped step stool that's designed for easy handling by little ones.
inalinaiba/Etsy -
I love the simplicity of this vintage step stool. It's perfect for all that toddler climbing!
Find it at Love Vintage Finds/Etsy -
This bright yellow lends a great pop of color, and its sturdy legs are great for supporting your toddler as she goes about the business of play.
Circle Creek Home -
The sleek and modern design of this stool puts a fresh spin on personalized children's items. Don't you love the two-toned stain?
Little Sapling Toys -
I know that my daughter would love having her very own pink step stool, and this one is just the right shade. I can also imagine her sitting there for hours (ok, minutes) playing with her toys.
Wooden Bling/Etsy -
This adorable little guy is a top seller at Toys R Us and I can imagine why. So fun!
Purchase yours here -
Because it's a toad. And a stool.
One Way Furniture -
If you're into all things preppy, this personalized what step stool might be just the thing for your toddler!
Laffy Daffy/Etsy
Top Photo Credit: Little Sapling Toys
Mary Lauren Weimer is a social worker turned mother turned writer. Her blog, My 3 Little Birds, encourages moms to put down the baby books for a moment and tell their own stories. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
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