Potty training can be an exciting (and sometimes messy) milestone for both kids and parents. One tool that often gets overlooked is the potty training stool, also known in many homes as a potty step stool, poop stool, or toilet foot stool.
If you've ever wondered why these little stools make a difference, this blog is for you. We’ll dive into what happens in the body when kids use them, the benefits, and how to choose and use one properly.
What happens inside the body when we “go” — sitting vs squatting
When we talk about pooping, we’re dealing with anatomy, muscles, and posture. Two things matter: letting the bowel open enough and reducing strain.
Anorectal Angle: This is the angle between the rectum and the anal canal. Sitting on a regular toilet with feet flat (or floating) often creates an angle that is sharper, making it harder for stool to pass comfortably. Squatting (or mimicking squatting by lifting the knees) helps straighten this angle.
Muscle Relaxation: The puborectalis muscle is a sling-like muscle that helps “hold things in” when not pooping. When squatting, this muscle relaxes more, letting the rectum align and release stool more easily.
Reduced Straining & Constipation: Studies show that using a stool (or being in a squatting-like position) can reduce the effort needed, speed up elimination, and lower the risk of incomplete bowel movements.
So, the body is anatomically more “ready” to do its job when knees are above or at least somewhat higher than the hips, when the child is leaning slightly forward, and when feet are supported. Otherwise, inefficient posture can lead to discomfort, straining, or even constipation.
What is a Potty Training Stool & Related Names
Before going further, let’s clear up terms — these are often used interchangeably, but some have slight differences in design or intent:
| Term | What it Usually Means |
| Potty training stool | A small, stable stool used by children during toilet training to help them achieve better posture while using a toilet |
| Potty step stool | Similar to above, emphasises the stepping up/down assistance. |
| Poop stool | Slang/colloquial; often used to refer to any stool used to help with bowel movements. |
| Toilet foot stool | Specifically, the stool placed at the feet while sitting on the toilet, so feet don’t dangle. |
All of these are tools to help mimic the squatting posture, but they vary in size, shape, height, grip, etc.
How a Potty Training Stool Helps Kids: Real Benefits
Here are why using a potty training stool is more than just “cute”:
Improves posture & alignment:-With a good stool, a child can rest their feet properly. This means hips, knees and ankles work together to position the body more naturally. That improved posture can lead to smoother, easier elimination.
Reduces straining and discomfort:-Because of better alignment, the body doesn’t have to “push so hard”. This reduces risk of pain or constipation.
Speeds up toilet training & builds confidence:-When kids feel stable and aren’t struggling with balance (feet dangling, toilet being too high), they are more willing to try. The sense of success helps them persist. Many parents report fewer tears, fewer accidents, and more independence.
Promotes healthy long-term bowel habits
- Using correct posture earlier means less chance of bad habits developing—like consistently straining or incomplete evacuation. Especially relevant in children who are already prone to constipation. Medical guidelines in Australia often recommend a footstool or equivalent so knees are above hips and sitting forward slightly.
What Australian Health Experts Say
Here are some specifics from Australian sources:
The Clinical Practice Guidelines: Constipation recommends a footstool so that the child’s knees are higher than their hips, leaning forward, and sometimes placing elbows on the knees for support. Small, regular “toilet sits” (for example, after meals) are also advised.
Raising Children Network notes that using a step or footstool for children helps them rest feet, feel more secure, and use the toilet more effectively.
Healthdirect Australia and other child health-services encourage choosing toilet training equipment (like stools and small toilet seat inserts) that help posture and safety.
These recommendations show that this is not just product marketing — there’s real medical and developmental advice backing the use of such stools.
How to Choose & Use a Good Stool (Potty Step Stool / Toilet Foot Stool)
To get the benefits, the stool has to be right. Here are features and tips:
| Feature | Why it matters |
| Height that brings knees above hips | Ensures the correct angle for the bowel and anus to align. If too low, benefits are lost. If too high, might be unsafe. |
| Stable base / non-slip feet | Bathroom floors are often wet; a wobbly stool is dangerous. Safety first. |
| Foot grip / textured top | Helps the child place their feet securely, avoids slipping. |
| Ease of cleaning | Materials that are waterproof or easy to wipe down. |
| Size & portability | If it’s light, easy to move, or store, more likely to be used consistently. |
How to help your child use it
Introduce it gradually—let them explore, maybe practise standing on and stepping off safely under supervision.
Use every time they use the toilet—it builds habit.
Teach posture: lean forward slightly, elbows on knees if possible. Encourage but don’t force. Praise effort. If nothing happens after a few minutes, let them go off and try again later.
Keep things calm: avoid pressure, avoid long periods sitting, make it a positive experience.
Possible Misconceptions & When to Seek Help
It’s important to have realistic expectations and know when expert support is needed.
A stool is not a cure-all. If your child has underlying issues (e.g. constipation despite diet, pain, structural issues), you may need paediatric or gastroenterology input.
Not all kids will immediately take to using a stool. There may be resistance, fear, or just needing time to adjust.
Avoid making toileting stressful. Pressure often makes things worse, both physically and emotionally.
If your child consistently strains, has painful bowel movements, or shows signs of discomfort, even with the stool in place, see a health professional. Occupational therapists, paediatric nurses, or child health centres can assess posture, muscular strength, bowel health, diet, hydration, etc.
Putting It Together: A Simple Guide for Parents
Here’s a step-by-step suggestion for incorporating a potty training stool into your daily routine:
Choose the right stool using the features above.
Set up the toilet training environment: stool placed so child can climb on safely, stable floor, maybe grab-rails or handles if needed.
Teach the posture: explain squatting vs sitting, show how they lean forward, rest hands/elbows on knees if comfortable.
Create a schedule: ideally after meals (when bowels tend to move), or times your child naturally indicates needing to go. Limit sitting time to a few minutes.
Encourage & praise: celebrate successes (big or small). Use gentle reminders. Keep it low pressure.
Monitor stool consistency, diet, water intake: even perfect posture won’t help as much if stool is hard or diet is low fibre.
Example: How a Child Might Use a Potty Training Stool in Daily Life
Let’s imagine Lucas, a nearly 3-year-old in Brisbane. He sometimes struggles with soft poos and often sits on the toilet with feet dangling. Mum introduces a Squatty Potty Australia poop stool that lifts his feet. They place a stool with non-slip surface, just the right height. After dinner, Lucas climbs up, rests his feet, leans forward, elbows on thighs. To their delight:
He has less straining.
He poops more fully, feels more comfortable.
He gains confidence—rather than being carried or helped, he wants to do it himself.
Small change, big boost.
Also Read:- A History of Toilet Design & The Squatty Potty Revolution
What You Can Do Next
Now that you know why squatting posture matters, and how a potty training stool (potty step stool / poop stool / toilet foot stool) helps kids, here’s what you can do to make this work for your child:
Reflect: Watch your child on the toilet without the stool. Notice if feet are dangling, if they strain.
Choose a stool that fits with safety, size, stability in mind.
Try it out—make it a fun exploration rather than a chore. Let your child “test” the stool, pick its colour or design, show off how tall they are stepping up.
Monitor: keep track of how bowel movements are going (e.g. less discomfort, less straining, more complete poos).
Seek help if needed: from child health nurses, paediatricians, or occupational therapists, particularly if potty training feels stalled or poos are hard and painful.
Using a potty training stool isn’t about having the fad-iest accessory. It’s about helping your child’s body do what it’s designed to do—comfortably, healthily, and with confidence. Let the stool be a helpful bridge in their potty training journey.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health-related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made either expressed or implied. If you need clarification on any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any suggested product.
FAQs
Q. Why is squatting better than sitting on the toilet?
Ans. Squatting naturally aligns the body and relaxes the pelvic muscles, helping bowel movements happen more easily and completely. This position reduces straining compared to sitting, making potty time more comfortable—especially for kids learning healthy bathroom habits.
Q. What age should a child start using a potty training stool?
Ans. Many children are ready when they can stand and walk steadily (around 18-24 months), or when they show interest in toilet use. It matters more that they are physically ready and motivated than hitting a strict age.
Q. How should the stool be positioned for best effect?
Ans. Feet elevated so knees are above hips, slight forward lean, elbows on knees helps. Ensure child is safe and stable.
Q. Can the stool help with constipation?
Ans. Yes. By improving posture and reducing straining, a stool often helps children who have constipation or difficulty with bowel movements. But if constipation is persistent, it might need dietary, hydration or medical review.
Q. Is there any risk or drawback in using a stool?
Ans. Risks are minimal if the stool is stable and used safely. Potential drawbacks are overreliance (if child refuses without it) or using an unsafe stool. Also, stools won’t fix problems caused by poor diet, illness, or stress.
Q. What’s the difference between a standard toilet seat insert and using a potty step stool / toilet foot stool?
Ans. A seat insert (child-size seat on top of adult toilet) reduces fear or slipping, makes sitting more comfortable. A stool supports posture and helps feet rest so that body mechanics (knees above hips, forward leaning) improve bowel alignment. Best when used together.