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Constipation affects about 16% of adults in the U.S.—and nearly 33% of adults over 60
Using a toilet stool may look a little strange at first, but it makes a big difference for your body. The idea is simple: instead of sitting at a 90-degree angle like most of us do on Western toilets, you elevate your feet. That shift puts your body into more of a squat, which is how humans naturally relieved themselves before the modern toilet came along.
This change in posture unclenches a muscle called the puborectalis—it usually kinks the colon to keep things in until you’re ready. In a sitting position, it doesn’t fully relax, which can slow things down. By raising your feet, the muscle lets go, the colon straightens out, and everything moves more smoothly. That means less pushing, less straining, and fewer problems like constipation or hemorrhoids. That said, out of five popular toilet stools, the Squatty Potty toilet bowl stool won our vote for best overall.
The Squatty Potty toilet bowl stool has a loyal following of 8+ million happy squatters. Its 7-inch height shifts your body into a natural 35° squat angle, which helps “unkink” your colon and make everything feel… easier. This means less strain and less time on the toilet. And more, ahem, complete relief.
Design-wise, the stool’s non-slip grooves keep it steady, and there’s no assembly required, so you can use it straight out of the box. It comes in five finishes—white, brown, oak, teak, and eucalyptus (my favorite)—to match any bathroom aesthetic. It folds flat for easy storage (or travel), and the white finish (photo above) is the most popular color. As a bonus, you get a soft velour dust cover for when it’s tucked away. Ultimately, if you’ve never tried a toilet stool, this one keeps things simple, comfortable, and discreet. Our review team voted it best overall for its high star rating, foldable design, and affordable price.
@squattypottyofficial 90° is out. 35° is in. Improve your posture. Support your gut ✨💩 #guthealth #healthylifestyle #bathroomorganization #poopbetter
♬ πρωτότυπος ήχος – Spiros Zorpidis – Spiros Zorpidis
Kids get constipated for many of the same reasons adults do—low fiber, not enough fluids, and poor bathroom habits. But with kids, it often comes down to one thing: holding it in. If you want something temporary or a stool for kids, the Uaniar toilet bowl stool makes a lot of sense. It’s plastic, yes. It’s blue and white, yes. But it’s also way cheaper than the best overall—and still gets the ‘job’ done. Likewise, it’s sturdy, easy to rinse off, and takes ten seconds to snap together.
Of course, compared to the best overall, this one definitely looks more budget—and it is. But the shape still puts your body in the right position, and it grips the floor well and tucks under most standard toilets. You can get our runner-up in gray or white if the blue (photo above) doesn’t match your bathroom. For the price, only $15.98, it’s hard to argue with.
The Azen toilet bowl stool sells faster than toilet paper did in 2020—over 2,000 bought just this month. And it’s even cheaper than the runner-up. If your bathroom has warm tones or wood accents, this one could be a great match. It’s made from real wood, not just a wood-look finish, and has a clean, arched design that fits most standard toilets. You can buy a single stool or a two-pack, and get this—the two-pack still costs less than the best overall.
That said, not every bathroom can handle the yellow wood tone. Mine, for example, has white and silver finishes, so this wouldn’t blend in. But if it does suit your space, it’s a practical choice. It’s sturdy, lightweight, holds up to 400 pounds, and gives you that 35° squat position, all without spending much at all.
The Jacnitad toilet bowl stool comes in colors to match just about any bathroom. Got a gray bathroom? Go with a black, gray, or white stool. Want something cute for a little girl’s bathroom? There’s a pink option too. This one even comes in tan, wood, brown, and a deep walnut tone if you prefer something warmer or more natural.
What I like about it is the shape. The curved bamboo edges make a space look elevated and classy. It says this person put thought into their bathroom. Size-wise, it’s available in 6.5-inch or 7-inch and even comes in a two-pack if you need one for a second toilet. Of course, the price is just right too—for under $20, it checks all the boxes without looking or feeling like a budget stool.
Okay, so here we have something that looks different from everything else on the list. The Baithem toilet bowl stool has more angles, folds in a unique way, and has cutout shapes that give it an abstract look. The height is slightly taller at 7 inches, which works well for most people, and the anti-slip feet keep it in place.
Moreover, it folds flat in a second, so it’s great for small bathrooms or shared spaces where things need to tuck away quickly. Color-wise, you can choose from light gray, blue, or pink—all in durable ABS plastic that wipes clean easily and holds up over time.
Most people find that a 7-inch height works best—it lifts your feet just enough to shift your body into that ideal 35° angle. The Squatty Potty toilet bowl stool uses this exact height, so it works for both short and tall people and fits nearly all standard toilets. If your toilet is higher than average or you’re on the shorter side, some brands even offer 9-inch versions.
You don’t want your stool sliding around. A good toilet stool should stay put even on smooth tile floors. The Squatty Potty toilet bowl stool has non-slip grooves and rubber grips on the base to keep everything steady. Whether it’s for kids, adults, or even seniors, safety and stability matter.
Plastic stools are lightweight and easy to clean, while bamboo stools add warmth and look more expensive. Of course, the best overall comes in both—from classic white plastic to finishes like bamboo and eucalyptus.
Some bathrooms don’t have space for extras, which is why a stool that folds flat (or tucks neatly around the base of your toilet) is essential. The Squatty Potty toilet bowl stool folds easily for storage and even comes with a soft velour dust cover, so you can keep it clean when not in use.
The Squatty Potty toilet bowl stool comes in finishes like oak, teak, and even my personal favorite: eucalyptus. Whether your style is crisp white or warm and earthy, there’s a look that fits right in.
If you’re sharing the bathroom with kids, elderly family members, or anyone who struggles with mobility, the stool needs to be intuitive. The Squatty Potty toilet bowl stool requires no setup or learning curve. You take it out of the box, place it at your feet, and that’s it.
Yes—many doctors, especially gastroenterologists and pelvic floor specialists, actually do recommend toilet stools. The idea behind them is based on anatomy and how your body works best when you’re in a squatting position. Using a stool helps straighten the rectum, relax the puborectalis muscle, and reduce the need to strain.
Constipation can happen for many reasons. Common culprits include not getting enough fiber, drinking too little water, not moving around enough, or ignoring the urge to go. Stress, certain medications, and underlying conditions like IBS can also slow things down. Even your bathroom posture can make a difference—and that’s where a toilet stool helps by making it easier for your body to go naturally.
When you sit on the toilet for too long, gravity works against you. It puts extra pressure on the veins around your rectum. Over time, that pressure can cause those veins to swell and stretch, leading to hemorrhoids. If you’re also straining, that only makes it worse. In short: long bathroom sessions are rough on your behind—better to sit, squat, and go.
Kids get constipated for many of the same reasons adults do—low fiber, not enough fluids, and poor bathroom habits. But with kids, it often comes down to one thing: holding it in. They might be too busy playing, scared to use public restrooms, or have had a painful poop once and now avoid going. That cycle makes the stool harder and more difficult to pass. The Squatty Potty toilet bowl stool can help them sit in a more natural position and relax, which makes going easier and less scary.
It can! Lightly rocking your legs can help engage your abdominal muscles and stimulate movement in your digestive tract.
Best Buy Guidebook is a culmination of online publishing lessons learned. From SEO to paid ads, our team has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Our goal now is simple: Arm readers with the most information possible.