Whether you've had constipation or pelvic floor issues, you know that going number two can be a huge struggle. Thankfully, bathroom stools (aka squatty potties) have come to the rescue.
A squatty potty is a stool that allows you to elevate your feet while you're sitting on the toilet. This "helps your body get into the proper pooping position for effortless and happy pooping," says Vanessa Méndez, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist based in Miami, Florida.
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Using a squatty potty can prevent straining, pushing and prolonged sitting on the toilet, she adds — all of which can be bad news for your butt.
To make shopping easier, we asked Dr. Méndez to help us narrow down the best bathroom stools out there right now.
The Best Bathroom Stools
- Best Overall: Squatty Potty Original Toilet Stool in Bamboo Flip ($29.99, Amazon)
- Runner-Up: BIILM Squatty Toilet Stool ($87.98, Amazon)
- Best Portable: Travel Porta Squatty ($29.99, SquattyPotty.com)
- Best for Small Spaces: Oslo Bamboo Folding Toilet Stool ($39.99, SquattyPotty.com)
- Most Stylish: Tushy Ottoman ($59, HelloTushy.com)
How We Chose
For this roundup, we spoke with Dr. Méndez for her input on what to look for in a bathroom stool and chose the best ones based on the following attributes:
- Material
- Price
- Height
- Ease of use
- Portability
For more information on how we choose and cover products, click here.
1. Squatty Potty Original Toilet Stool in Bamboo Flip
Pros
- Two height options
- Durable
- More attractive than plastic options, according to reviews
Cons
- Assembly is required
Dr. Méndez highly recommends the Squatty Potty Original as the best overall pick. This version can flip to either a 7- or 9-inch height, so no matter what your toilet height, it props your legs up into a squat-like position. This position stimulates your bowel movements and helps you poop faster.
What’s more, it’s made of 100 percent natural bamboo, making it a sturdy and attractive buy.
2. BIILM Squatty Toilet Stool
Pros
- Collapsible and easy to store
- Sturdy
Cons
- Only one height option
- A little narrow for some people
Beyond being easy to use, BIILM's squatting toilet stool gets the job done by propping your legs up and initiating the poop position. It has a height of 8 inches, which accommodates most people, including children and older adults.
What sets this toilet stool apart is that it’s collapsible (hello, easy storage) and has a non-slip design, so you don’t have to worry about putting your weight on it.
3. Travel Porta Squatty
Pros
- Lightweight
- Collapsible
Cons
- Only one height option
- Some reviews say it's not very durable
What makes the Travel Porta Squatty ideal for travel is that it’s smaller and lighter than other toilet stools. It weighs only 2 pounds and fits into a discreet carrying bag for portability.
Made from durable plastic, the toilet stool can support up to 50 pounds.
Bonus: It has been certified by the Food and Drug Administration as a medical device, which means the product has been monitored for safety and effectiveness.
4. Oslo Bamboo Folding Toilet Stool
Pros
- Foldable for easy storage
- Discreet
- No assembly required
Cons
- May not be as durable as other products
Unlike some other toilet stools, this one can fold up when it's not in use and you can stow it away in between your cabinet and toilet to save space, says Dr. Méndez.
It’s made of natural bamboo, which has antibacterial properties to ward off unwanted germs, and it comes with a dust cover.
Additionally, it’s an FDA-certified medical device. No assembly is required. Simply take it out of the packaging and unfold it to use.
5. Tushy Ottoman
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Sleek design
- Two height options
Cons
- Pricey
- Some reviews say the surface is slippery
Going number two just became more stylish with Tushy’s Ottoman. With its white base and bamboo leg finishes, the Ottoman looks like a piece of art at a museum.
The stool was crafted with a curve to keep your feet comfortable while you poo, and it comes in two-leg heights: 9 (original) and 7.5 inches (relaxed). The difference between the two is that the original height was built for deeper crouching.
What to Know Before You Buy a Bathroom Stool
1. How to Tell if You Need One
Dr. Méndez recommends a squatty potty or toilet stool if you have to strain to have a bowel movement, have constipation, have hemorrhoids or have any type of pelvic floor conditions like prolapse.
2. When to Use
You can use a bathroom stool as much as you'd like. In fact, Dr. Méndez recommends it every time you sit on the toilet.
That's because "it prevents straining and allows for a smoother passage of the stool," she says. "The squatty potty helps prevent the development of hemorrhoids and the worsening of prolapse and other pelvic floor disorders."
3. Height
When looking for a squatty potty, it's important to consider one that's between 7 and 9 inches off the ground, says Dr. Méndez. This position prevents straining and "increases the rectal canal angle, allowing the rectum to open up more for easier passage of stool without straining."
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.