A Q&A with Rachel Rothman  

We recently had a chance to sit down with consumer product expert Rachel Rothman about her experience with Stapelstein. Rachel is a distinguished authority in consumer product evaluation, who after over fifteen years of experience as Chief Technologist and Head of Testing at Good Housekeeping has now founded The Testing Lab, which aims to bridge the gap between brand and consumer. Her expertise spans various product categories, from toys to cutting-edge technology. Rachel's contributions extend to television appearances on TV shows like the Today Show and Good Morning America, as well as podcasts by Hearst and other outlets, and has co-authored children’s science books.

Rachel holds a BSE in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, and Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania and resides in New York with her husband and three children.  

Here’s what she had to say. 

Why are Stapelstein Stepping Stones a Must-Have for an active family like yours? 

As a product testing expert with over 16 years in the trenches (and as a mom of three!), I've seen my fair share of toys. From the briefly loved to the quickly forgotten, very few stand the test of time and rambunctious play. But the Stapelstein stepping stones? They're a game-changer. 

Is this a product you feel could grow with your family? 

First off, these aren't your average plastic stepping stones. Designed in Germany, Stapelstein’s are crafted from high-quality, eco-conscious EPP (expandable polypropylene). This allows them to be surprisingly lightweight, yet incredibly strong. I'm talking just over 400 pounds strong! Now, I know what you're thinking: lightweight plastic sounds like a recipe for disaster. But here's the engineer in me coming out – the EPP construction makes them incredibly durable. The material is shock-absorbing, making it ideal for safe and energetic play, while its closed-cell structure ensures water resistance and easy cleaning, perfect for messy (think sandbox or bathtub) or outdoor playtime. I can personally attest, my family has been putting ours through the wringer for months now, and they've emerged virtually unscathed. 

We hear you have a torture test. Did our stepping stones pass the test? 

Remember those aforementioned rambunctious children? Let's just say our Stapelstein elements and boards have been thrown down stairs (unintentionally, of course!), playfully wrestled over, and used as a launching pad for various plushie friends. They've also been subjected to my own personal gauntlet of tests: 

• Water Resistance: After being submerged in water for hours weighted down – there were no leaks and not even a hint of moisture once they dried off. Plus, we played with them in a snowstorm for a bit, and likewise once placed individually to dry off they were as good as new.  

• Stain Resistance: Crayons, markers, mud, watercolors, chalk – you name it, my kids have tried it. While the lighter color stones are more susceptible to retaining some discoloration, the surface fully retains its stability and can easily be cleaned with some water and a scrub brush.  

• UV Resistance: We left some of our stones outside in the spring sun for two weeks – there was no perceptible fading or warping. 

• Heavy Load Testing: My husband + me + all of our home weights were no match for the Stapelstein stones. We recorded just over 400 pounds in our load bearing test.  

• Drop Testing: These toys were dropped (no kids were present!) over 20 feet ten times (don’t tell my husband!). No visible dents or scratches remained.  

• Data Review: I thoroughly reviewed all testing done in terms of conformance for ASTM F963 (the US Toy Safety Standard) and EN71 (the European Toy Safety Standard). The assessments confirm the products were appropriately reviewed for chemical safety, flammability requirements, tip over concerns and more, and passed all necessary evaluations.  

All this to say, these things are built to last. That means no need for frequent replacements that might otherwise contribute to waste.  In fact, they're designed for intergenerational play and can easily be passed down to other families.  Imagine your grandkids using the same Stapelstein products you did as a child – pretty cool, right? 

For any parent wondering if Stapelstein is right for them, is it worth it?  

Look, as a parent, I know toys can be expensive. But Stapelstein products are an investment. They're durable, versatile, and safe – a rare trifecta in the toy world.  They've sparked creativity in my kids, provided surprise moments of quiet focus (sorting household items into their correct color “bowl” is serious business!), and even offered me a bit of peace of mind knowing they're built to withstand the chaos. Plus, I’ve seen firsthand how the founders adhere to steward leadership methods, whereby the company’s vision, values and mission are focused around empowering and protecting childhood development. The company is building out a more sustainable and resource-mindful ecosystem that is playful and child-friendly thanks to their flexible, versatile nature, allowing movement, creativity and connection. So, are Stapelstein toys worth it? In my book, absolutely. They're a win-win for parents and kids alike. 

How can open play help a child thrive? 

In today's fast-paced world, carving out space for unstructured, child-led play is more crucial than ever. This is where the magic of open play comes in. Free from rigid schedules and adult direction, open play empowers children to blossom through exploration, imagination, and self-discovery. And to fuel this playful journey, Pikler principles offer a guiding light. Developed by Hungarian pediatrician Emmi Pikler, these principles champion respect for a child's autonomy and independence, fostering an environment that encourages movement, exploration, and self-directed learning. 

It's about offering a variety of open-ended materials and letting children's imaginations take the reins. Whether it's constructing towering castles with blocks or weaving elaborate narratives with scarves, open play ignites creativity, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional intelligence. 

How can you cultivate a playground for growth? 

Pikler principles go hand-in-hand with open play, creating a safe and stimulating space where children can thrive at their own pace. Here are some core principles to embrace: 

• Open-ended materials: Forgo the toys with specific instructions and opt for versatile treasures like blocks, scarves, balls, and, of course, Stapelstein stepping stones! These colorful, lightweight wonders spark endless possibilities, from building bridges and stepping across "lava rivers" to creating cozy reading nooks and whimsical sculptures. 

• Safe havens for exploration: Ensure the play area is free from hazards and let your child explore without hovering or micromanaging. Remember, bumps and stumbles are often stepping stones (pun intended!) to valuable learning experiences. 

• Following the child's lead: Be an attentive observer, not a director. Watch your child's play with curiosity and offer support when needed, but resist the urge to impose your own ideas or structure. 

• Respecting autonomy: Trust your child's inherent wisdom to guide their play. Allow them to make their own choices (within household boundaries/rules), even if it means a messy masterpiece or a symphony of playful noise. 

Why is Stapelstein the perfect partner for open play adventures?  

Stapelstein stepping stones are more than just eye-catching playthings, they're the epitome of open-ended materials. Here's how they seamlessly integrate with Pikler principles: 

• Endless versatility: Stapelsteins transform any space into an ever-evolving playground. Their smooth, rounded surfaces are perfect for little hands and feet to explore, climb, and balance on. 

• Encouraging movement: Stapelsteins naturally entice children to move, jump, and climb, promoting healthy physical development and gross motor skills. 

• Nurturing imagination: These colorful gems spark endless storytelling opportunities. They become stepping stones across imaginary rivers, cozy caves for stuffed animals, or even magical portals to fantastical worlds. 

• Building confidence: As children master new challenges with Stapelsteins, their sense of accomplishment and self-esteem soar. 

These surprisingly sturdy shapes can handle the most enthusiastic play (trust me, I've witnessed some impressive leaps and tumbles!), yet lightweight enough for even the most sensitive kiddo. The rounded edges and soft texture help ensure safety, letting every child dive into play with confidence.