Pooping is a universal experience. Everyone of all ages around the world does it, some more often than others (looking at you, newborns). Since we all spend so much time on the toilet doing a totally natural and necessary bodily function, shouldn’t we be comfortable while doing so?
While a heated or glow-in-the-dark toilet seat can be pleasant to sit on and look at, what’s actually more important for a healthy bowel movement is where our feet are planted while doing our duty. This is where toilet stools (no pun intended) can be helpful.
While these “potty stools” are often marketed toward younger children who may not be tall enough for their feet to touch the floor, anyone can use them and they allow for a better posture to decrease strain during a bowel movement.
Over the past two years especially, we’ve learned how our posture while working from home can really take a toll on our bodies. But Jennifer Bonheur, a New York-based gastroenterologist, explained that our position on the toilet is just as important. Bonheur said there are some studies that show stools help facilitate proper squatting and make pooping easier because the position allows our lower muscles to relax.
Of course, using stools isn’t the only important factor for a good bowel movement. In addition to maintaining a squatting position, Bonheur said that what we eat also affects our pooping habits, with high fiber diets and adequate hydration having a beneficial effect on reducing constipation and straining.
“But there is absolutely no downside to a squatting position or raising your feet while sitting on the toilet and leaning forward and many people — especially those who struggle with constipation and straining — do find it quite helpful. This position can work well for children and adults, and is not age-specific,” she said.
Bonheur said as long as the position you’re in is comfortable and your feet are elevated off of the floor to create the squatting angle, you can pretty much use whatever type of stool you’d like. Below, we’ve rounded up a couple stools you should add to your bathroom, including the Tushy ottoman stool and the Squatty Potty. Your bowels will thank you.
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The Squatty Potty
The American-made Squatty Potty works to elevate your feet and apply soft pressure to your abdomen to reduce straining. We’ve previously covered how beloved it is by reviewers: Its subtle, sloped design provides an optimal squatting angle and is curved to easily slide under your toilet when you're done using it.
Promising review: “I bought this squatty potty 10 years ago, I can’t believe it’s been that long. My husband genuinely cannot live without it- it speeds up your bathroom time and provides more comfort. It is exceptionally stable, as stated before, it has so far lasted 10 years. It tucks away close to the bottom of the toilet so no to be too much in the way.
I wish it were easier to clean and perhaps tucked in a little farther than it does but it’s nothing serious.
Well worth the purchase that’s for sure.” — Xena
A sleek wooden stool you can get in a two-pack
Made with natural wood, this stool can bear weight up to 400 pounds and is designed to be anti-skid. It also comes in a two-pack, so if you have multiple bathrooms in the house, you can go easily in each one — for under $30, to boot. It comes in two colors.
An anti-slip option that nests
If you want a secure surface to make sure your feet don’t slip, this stool has an anti-slip top as well as anti-slip feet for peace of mind. It also nests into itself to become about half its height when you’re not using it or just need a lower stool. Try it out in three different colors.
Promising review: “Sorry in advance! This maybe TMI but I needa help my bros & sis. If you have GI issues please keep reading. 🙃
This is perfect for my IBS-C and Diverticulosis! My GI Doctor recommended that I used a Squatty Potty to help with my constipation. Sitting in this 90 degree angle creates the perfect posture to allow your bowels to move freely without straining. I now have less pain while having to empty. The product being sold had 2 pieces. It’s perfect for me and my growing toddler. When stacked, it could be used as a step up stool for my little one to wash her hands or brush her teeth when she’s older. It has texture on each piece so it helps your feet to stay in place. It’s also grippy on the bottom so it won’t move around. It is surprisingly really sturdy! I really like that it is small and has a curve so you can store it in front of the toilet bowl. It really doesn’t take up too much space at all.” — April
The Tushy ottoman toilet stool
If the name of this toilet stool wasn't convincing enough, you'll love the Tushy stool because it literally looks like an ottoman, perfect for blending in with the your sleek bathroom aesthetic. Its height keeps your system flowing, resulting in a satisfying, strain-free poop. You have two heights to choose from: The relaxed height stool is 7.5 inches, which is better for a less intense crouching position, and the original stool stands at 9 inches for a deeper crouch. Both come in all-white or white and bamboo.
A foldable step stool
Traveling soon and need a portable potty stool? This folding stool works both as a regular step stool and a toilet stool when you need a little more height for your feet. It stands at 9 inches high, and many Amazon reviewers mention how well it works for all of their pooping needs.
Promising review: “I use this as my poop stool.
When you are sitting on the toilet, prop your feet on this so you somewhat emulate a squatting position. Business will go much smoother than normal...You’re welcome.
Trust me on this, people, TRY IT OUT!” — irina m.
A collapsible bamboo potty stool
Add a touch of bamboo to your bathroom with this stool that collapses for easy storage. It can be purchased in a 7.5 inch-height or 8.5 inches and in either natural or dark wood finishes.
The StrongTek collapsible squatting toilet
If you want to keep your potty stool a little more discreet and out of the way, this stool is for you. It's fully collapsible without the use of additional tools; just fold the legs down by pressing on the hinges on both sides. It stands at 7.2 inches and has rubber grips on each leg to keep it from sliding around on the floor.
Promising review: “I really enjoy the build quality! It is light enough, but it has the perfect weight balance! The traction feet allow me to use this stool without it ever sliding around on my laminated floor!! It’s the perfect height, as well, the Black rubbery surface grips to my shoes, socks, and bare feet!! I would highly recommend this, especially because my bowel movements have improved since I’m using this stool!!” — JBoogie