Open Thread: Welby Squatting Stool

Last Updated on August 20, 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE: We have a full review of the Welby Squatting Stool here.

The Squatty Potty came on the scene several years ago, and perhaps you’ve seen the funny commercial with the rainbow-pooping unicorn. The Squatty Potty is a stool that reportedly promotes a better experience in the bathroom because it helps users get into a posture that encourages faster and easier pooping, with less straining.

The name brand Squatty Potty can be purchased in many stores, including Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Target, Ace Hardware, and Costco. The original Squatty Potty sold on Amazon for $23.24 at the time of publication. Non-name brand stools are available from a variety of retailers as well, including one from Walmart on sale for $12.74 (it’s $18.99 full price) at the time of publication.

What we know:

Aldi began selling its own version of the Squatty Potty several years ago as an ALDI Find (Special Buy), meaning it’s in stores for a limited time. The Welby product line at Aldi focuses on a variety of health-related items such as blood pressure machines, pulse oximeters, and the Welby Squatting Stool.

The Welby Squatting Stool sold for $9.99 in 2019, which is the same price it sold for in 2018 as well.

Here’s what we know about the stool:

• measures 18.75″ x 12.5″ x 8″
• features ergonomic design for comfort and stability
• imitates natural squatting posture
• stores neatly under most toilets

What we don’t know:

We don’t know who makes the stool or if it comes with any sort of warranty or manual. We also have never used the stool, so we can’t speak to whether it “works.”

We do know that some people swear by the original Squatty Potty. There is evidence that it helps relax muscles and straighten the colon to make defecation easier. One writer tried the Squatty Potty and cites health experts who said it might help people dealing with constipation or hemorrhoids, but it might have less benefit for other people without symptoms. On the other hand, it won’t hurt you to use it either. Time cites a recent study indicating squatting stools may be good for us, and they are “something that’s not a medication, something basically anyone can use.” Skeptoid is more doubtful about squatting stools’ benefits, but they acknowledge that it’s a cheap product and pretty safe to try.

And Aldi’s Welby Squatting Stool is really cheap. So if you’ve been considering getting a Squatty Potty, here’s an option to look at.

Have you used the Welby Squatting Stool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.