Kitchen helpers are wide-based stools with firm feet and guard rails that offer your child a safe and sturdy way to stand at counter level. Children’s step stools, kids’ kitchen step stools, or learning towers are extremely popular among Montessori families because they promote independence and inclusion.
These simple stools have given the children access to a world that is still just a little too big for them, which has instilled a sense of independence in them. They helped them pick their favorite book, reached the kitchen counter safely, and grabbed a cup of water from the sink.
Why do children require a step stool?
However, toddler step stools aren’t just for the kitchen. Some mamas have gathered quite the collection around the house, a wise idea if grabbing everything for your increasingly independent kid has become an annoyance.
Getting their favorite things and brushing their teeth (and washing their hands) require them to step up in the bedroom, bathroom, and playroom. For different situations, there are different types of stools. A foldable stool is great for avoiding clutter, but smaller two-step stools with handles can also work.
- Helps children participate in activities like cooking, baking, washing dishes, washing their hands, and brushing their teeth to name a few.
- Step Stool can be moved around the house and make spaces at an adult height accessible to toddlers. They can reach and get their things without depending on adult help all the time.
- Encourages child and parent bonding – as the child can spend time productively with the adult in the kitchen or other activities that were previously restricted only to adults.
- Increases the confidence and self-esteem of the child when they participate in family activities.
- Grows with the child and can be used for many years and by many children.
- Increases the child’s involvement and interest in household activities as they can now see what the adult sees and work along with the adult.
- Creates a ‘yes’ space for the child where they can safely explore the home environment.
- They look so beautiful and aesthetically appealing that they enhance the interiors of any space they are put into.
- Feeds the curiosity and creativity of the child as it offers them more possibilities to play and create.
- Allows the parents to be around but NOT have to always watch out for the child falling backwards.
- Toddlers are not dependent of parents to climb on and off.
- Show your child what it is meant for – how to climb on and off it – stay close by but don’t hover over them- let them figure it out for themselves.
- Show your child how to move the stool and how to place it close to where they might need – also ask them to ask for help if they need.
- Cleaning the stool together can be shown as an activity to the child – keep a spray jar and dust cloth accessible and show them how to clean the tower – this will help them take ownership of it and handle it well.
- If you have 2 or more children at home, let them know that only one can use the stool at a time – be firm about this rule and enforce in every time as it is for their safety.
- At every space that you intend to use the stool, plan in advance where it can be placed – for example – in the kitchen in can be close to a free part of the counter and not too close to the stove or knives.
At what age can a toddler use a step stool?
Kids can begin using step stools when they are toddlers (1 to 3 years old). At this age, most children are confident enough on their feet to walk steadily. Some may be able to do it already at 12 months, so make sure you see for yourself what your child is capable of. Although every child is different, you should always supervise them when they use step stools.
It is common for toddlers to start using their learning tower at around 18 months, according to most resource guides. You should always consult with your pediatrician if you are unsure about when to introduce something. They’ll be able to help you navigate what your baby can handle as they develop.
What can a kid’s step stool be used for?
An adventurous attitude and a lot of curiosity make toddlers prone to getting into trouble. Crawling and climbing are the only ways to reach some regions due to the difficulty of getting there. As a result of a step stool’s ease and safety, they are able to reach these high places with ease.
Toddlers can reach high places using step stools, such as sinks, toilets, shelves, and kitchen counters. Step stools can also be used to reach the top of beds and chairs. Children frequently ingeniously utilize them to keep their toys. With the step stool, you may also access upper shelves, closets, fans, and light fixtures. They might serve as your footrest. You can purchase portable step stools if you wish to utilize them as portable seats.
Step stools, which are simple to use, aid children in learning self-care abilities, such as using the bathroom on their own and assisting with household tasks like setting the table and cleaning up after themselves.
The developmental benefits of kid’s step stools
Climbing may become a habit for your child as they gain confidence on their feet. Exploration, touching, and seeking out new things are all part of their innate nature. To assist your child in developing their curiosity and sense of self-reliance as they grow older, parents consider getting them a solid step stool.
Developmental benefits:
- Muscles in the legs and core get strength
- Encourages kids to strike a balance
- Allows children to grow more self-sufficient
- Increases self-esteem
- Fosters critical thinking as well as problem-solving
Other benefits:
- Your child may not be interested in eating, but if you buy a step stool, this can encourage them to help you in cooking. This will also increase their interest in eating what they have cooked with you.
- Your child may not like to brush their teeth, but with the help of a kid’s step stool, you are allowing your child to brush their teeth in front of a mirror, and they get to see themselves and their teeth after cleaning. They may start taking an interest in brushing their teeth as this may seem fun to them.
- For toddlers, it is difficult to reach up when they need to, and you can solve their problem with a kids’ step stool. They can easily climb and get what they need. This makes them happy that they can do so many things.
- Kids’ step stool adds fun to your child’s life. Children love to look into the mirror, and step stools can help. They make different faces and observe themselves. It is enjoyable for them, and you would love to see them enjoying themselves. You can create fun in their life with a kids’ step stool.
