Squatty Potty Recalls Children's Toilet Step Stools Due to Injury and Fall Hazards

What was recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting specific children’s toilet step stools manufactured and sold under the Squatty Potty brand. This action, announced on December 19, 2017, targets a particular design intended to help young children reach standard-height toilet seats more comfortably. The product in question is the SquattyPottymus children’s toilet step stool. It was marketed as an aid for bathroom independence, designed with a playful aesthetic to appeal to both children and parents. The unit measures approximately 15.8 inches by 16.8 inches by 10 inches, providing a sturdy base for small feet. The stool is crafted from plastic and features a distinctive design element: it is shaped to resemble a gray hippopotamus with either blue or purple eyes. This character-based design includes cut-outs on each side that function as handles, allowing children to hold on for stability while climbing up or down.

A critical component of this recalled product is the top removable step, referred to in the company’s materials as the “hat.” This part of the stool is colored aqua blue and serves as the highest step surface where a child stands. The hat is not permanently fixed to the body of the stool; rather, it is designed to be removable. These step stools were sold both individually and as part of sets that included a toilet seat and decorative stickers. The inclusion of these accessories suggests the product was positioned as a complete bathroom improvement kit for families with young children. The recall applies to units where the top removable step (the hat) can detach while a child is standing on it. This structural vulnerability is the primary reason for the recall, as the detachment poses significant injury and fall hazards. Parents and caregivers are urged to check their bathrooms for this specific model, identified by its hippo shape, gray color, aqua blue top, and the Squatty Potty branding.

The scope of the recall is defined by these specific product characteristics. If you have a step stool that matches the description above—a gray hippo with an aqua blue removable top step—you need to take immediate action. The product was sold to assist children in reaching toilet seats, but its design flaw undermines that very purpose by creating an unstable surface. Consumers who purchased this item, whether as a standalone unit or within a promotional set, should be aware that the manufacturer has acknowledged the risk associated with the detachable hat. This recall is not about a minor defect but a safety issue that has already resulted in reported injuries. Therefore, it is essential to identify exactly what was sold: the SquattyPottymus children’s toilet step stool with the specific hippo design and removable aqua blue top. Any unit fitting this description falls under the scope of this recall and should be addressed promptly to ensure the safety of any child using it.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the Squatty Potty children’s step stool appears to be a harmless and even charming bathroom accessory. Designed to look like a gray hippopotamus with blue or purple eyes, it is meant to help little ones reach the toilet seat safely. However, the core safety issue lies in one specific component: the removable top step, which Squatty Potty refers to as the "hat." This hat is aqua blue and serves a dual purpose—it adjusts the height of the stool for growing children and includes cut-outs on the sides that function as handles for stability. While these features are convenient, they create a critical point of failure.

The physical mechanism of the hazard is straightforward but dangerous. The top step is not permanently fused to the base; it is designed to be removable. In normal use, a child stands on this upper platform while attempting to sit or stand from the toilet. The weight of a child, combined with the shifting balance that often occurs during bathroom routines, places significant downward and lateral pressure on the connection between the hat and the body of the stool. According to the CPSC, this design allows the top removable step to detach entirely while a child is standing on it. When the hat comes loose, the stable platform the child is relying on disappears instantly.

This sudden loss of footing leads directly to the fall hazards identified in this recall. Without the secure base, the child loses their balance and falls from the height of the toilet seat or the stool itself. The consequences of such a fall are not theoretical; they have already resulted in documented injuries. Squatty Potty has reported two specific incidents involving these stools. In one case, a child fell and hit her chin on the toilet, causing bleeding from biting the inside of her mouth. In the second incident, another child fell and struck their head against a wall.

To understand why this is particularly risky for young children, it helps to look at general pediatric safety principles. Children are naturally less coordinated than adults and have a higher center of gravity relative to their size. When they lose balance on a small surface like a step stool, especially in a hard-surfaced room like a bathroom, they often fall backward or sideways into nearby hard objects—such as toilet bowls, tile floors, or walls. The combination of the sudden detachment of the stepping surface and the unforgiving nature of bathroom fixtures turns what should be a helpful tool into a serious injury risk. The detachable "hat" effectively removes the foundation while the user is still bearing its weight, leaving no time to react or correct the fall.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about safety risks in the home, it is helpful to look at who is actually using the product and why that specific demographic faces a higher chance of injury. In this recall involving the Squatty Potty children’s toilet step stools, the primary group at risk is young children. These stools are designed specifically for kids who are not yet tall enough to reach their toilet seats comfortably or safely on their own. The product description notes that the stool is shaped like a gray hippopotamus with blue or purple eyes, a design clearly intended to appeal to and engage young children. Because the target user is a child, we must consider developmental factors such as balance, coordination, and judgment, which are still maturing during early childhood.

The specific hazard here involves the detachable top step, or "hat," which can come off while a child is standing on it. For a young child, losing their footing or having the surface beneath them suddenly give way is particularly dangerous. Young children often lack the muscle strength and reflexes to catch themselves if they fall. Unlike adults, who might instinctively put their hands out to break a fall, toddlers and preschoolers may not have the same protective instincts or physical capability. This makes any fall from even a modest height more likely to result in significant injury.

The incident reports filed with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlight exactly who is vulnerable and how injuries occur. The two reported incidents involved children falling from the stool. One child ended up hitting her chin on the toilet, causing her to bite the inside of her mouth and bleed. This type of injury requires careful attention because a bleeding mouth can be difficult to manage and may lead to further complications if not treated properly. Another child fell and hit his head on a wall. Head injuries in children are always a serious concern due to the developing nature of their skulls and brains.

While the primary users are children, it is also worth noting that these stools are often used in bathrooms, which can be slippery environments. If a child is standing on an unstable surface in a wet area, the risk multiplies. Furthermore, parents or caregivers who might be assisting the child could inadvertently encourage risky behavior if they are not aware of the defect. Therefore, the entire household environment becomes part of the risk equation. It is crucial for parents to recognize that even though the product looks sturdy and cute, the structural integrity of the top step is compromised, making it unsafe for any child who relies on it for support.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own a child’s toilet step stool that resembles an animal, particularly one designed for potty training or helping younger children reach the bathroom fixtures comfortably, it is important to verify whether your specific unit falls under this recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very specific set of criteria regarding the Squatty Potty brand that you can use to confirm if your product is part of this safety notice. Because these items were sold in various configurations, relying solely on the brand name might not be enough; you need to look closely at the physical characteristics and the packaging details.

First, examine the overall shape and color scheme of the step stool. The recalled item is designed to look like a gray hippopotamus. This distinct animal motif is a key identifier. You should look for a plastic construction that features a height-adjusting top step, which is referred to in the recall as the "hat." This hat portion comes in an aqua blue color. Additionally, check the eyes of the hippo design; the recalled units have either blue or purple eyes. These visual cues are central to identifying the specific model involved in this safety alert.

Next, measure the dimensions of your stool. The recalled SquattyPottymus children's toilet step stools measure approximately 15.8 by 16.8 by 10 inches. If your stool is significantly smaller or larger than these measurements, it is likely not part of this specific recall batch. Pay attention to the cut-outs on each side of the hippo figure; these are designed to function as handles for carrying the stool. The presence of these side handles combined with the adjustable aqua blue top step strongly suggests you may have the recalled item.

Consider how you purchased the product. These stools were sold either individually or as part of a set. If you bought it as a set, it likely included a toilet seat and decorative stickers alongside the hippo-shaped stool. The recall applies to units manufactured for sale in the United States and Canada. While the record does not list a specific serial number to check on the bottom of the unit, the combination of the gray hippo design, blue or purple eyes, aqua blue adjustable hat, and the stated dimensions is sufficient for identification. If your stool matches this description exactly, you should treat it as part of the recall immediately.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have one of the recalled Squatty Potty children’s toilet step stools, your primary remedy is straightforward and designed to be as stress-free as possible. The company has chosen a specific path that combines safety with financial compensation: they are offering a free return of the hazardous component along with a partial refund. It is important to understand exactly how this works so you can resolve the issue quickly and confidently. First, please stop using the stool immediately. Do not attempt to fix it yourself by gluing or taping the hat back on, as this may not address the underlying detachment risk. Instead, your goal is to remove the top removable step (the "hat") entirely and send it back to Squatty Potty.

The financial remedy here is a $10 refund. This refund applies specifically to the return of the hat portion of the stool. It is not a full product refund, nor is it a coupon for a new item; it is a direct monetary reimbursement for sending back the dangerous part. To initiate this process, you will need to contact Squatty Potty directly. They have set up dedicated channels for recall inquiries to ensure your case is handled correctly. You can reach their support team by calling their toll-free number at 855-628-1099. Their representatives are available to assist you from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or want to keep a record of your instructions, you may also email them directly at recall@squattypotty.com.

For those who prefer online navigation, Squatty Potty has provided clear digital guidance. Visit their official website at www.squattypotty.com. Once there, look for the “More” tab in the main menu and hover over it to reveal additional options. Click on “Press” to find the specific recall information and further instructions on how to proceed with your return. This online route is particularly useful if you need to view detailed diagrams of the product or download any necessary forms before contacting them by phone.

Why does Squatty Potty offer this specific remedy? The hazard stems from the detachable nature of the hat, which can come loose while a child is standing on it. By removing the hat entirely, you eliminate the primary mechanism of injury—the falling step. The company recognizes that the stool itself might still be structurally sound, but the safety risk is inherent to its design in this configuration. Therefore, they are not asking you to return the entire hippopotamus-shaped stool, just the hazardous top step. This approach minimizes waste and inconvenience for you while ensuring the immediate danger is removed. Please keep in mind that the refund process requires your active participation in contacting them and arranging the return of the hat. Do not wait for a package to arrive in the mail; you must proactively reach out to initiate the $10 refund and receive return shipping instructions. If you have any questions about whether your specific model is included, or if you encounter issues with the return process, the customer service team at the phone number or email address provided above is your best resource for personalized assistance.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why a parent might hesitate to stop using the Squatty Potty children’s toilet step stool right away. These stools are designed to be helpful, offering a sense of independence for your child and making bathroom routines less stressful for everyone. The gray hippopotamus design with blue or purple eyes is meant to be friendly and inviting, turning a mundane task into something playful. However, ignoring the recall instructions to remove the removable hat top step transforms this helpful tool into a significant safety risk that should not be taken lightly. The core issue is not just about the stool being uncomfortable; it is about structural integrity under dynamic load. When a child stands on the detachable hat portion, their weight creates pressure that the connection points may not be able to sustain indefinitely.

The most immediate danger is a sudden fall. Because the hat can detach while a child is standing on it, there is no warning before the step gives way. This lack of stability means a child loses their footing unexpectedly. In a bathroom environment, which is often small and contains hard surfaces, an unexpected fall can lead to serious injuries that go far beyond a simple bruise. The CPSC has already documented two specific incidents where this hazard materialized into physical harm. In one case, a child fell from the step stool and struck their chin against the toilet, resulting in the inside of their mouth bleeding. This is a painful and frightening injury that could have been prevented by removing the unstable component.

In another reported incident, a child fell and hit their head on a wall. Head injuries are always a primary concern for parents because they can range from minor bumps to concussions or more severe trauma depending on the force of impact and the angle of the fall. While we cannot predict exactly how every fall might play out, the potential for head injury is real and present whenever the step stool’s top detaches. By continuing to use the recalled stool with the hat attached, you are allowing your child to stand on an unstable platform in a space where there are few safe places to land. The risk is not theoretical; it has already resulted in documented injuries including bleeding and head trauma.

Beyond the immediate physical pain, these incidents carry an emotional toll. A sudden fall can be terrifying for a young child, potentially creating anxiety around using the toilet or being alone in the bathroom. It undermines the very goal of the product, which is to foster confidence and independence. By taking the simple step of removing the hat now, you eliminate this specific danger entirely. You are not just following a rule; you are ensuring that your child’s bathroom routine remains safe, predictable, and free from the threat of unexpected falls. The inconvenience of returning the hat for a refund is minor compared to the peace of mind that comes from knowing your child can no longer fall through the step they are standing on.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls are essential for addressing immediate dangers in items already on the market, true safety at home relies on a proactive, layered approach to hazard prevention. When dealing with toddler furniture and bathroom accessories like step stools, the goal is to create an environment where accidents are difficult to happen, not just easy to recover from. One of the most effective strategies is to prioritize stability over aesthetics. Many decorative items, including the hippo-shaped stools mentioned in this recall, are designed for visual appeal first. However, when a child is climbing or standing on any elevated surface, the center of gravity shifts dramatically. Ensuring that any step stool you purchase has a wide, non-slip base and rigid construction can prevent the kind of detachment or tipping that leads to falls. It is wise to look for products that have been independently tested for weight limits and structural integrity, rather than relying solely on brand reputation.

Beyond the product itself, supervision and habit play critical roles in injury prevention. For young children who are just learning to navigate bathroom routines, an adult’s presence is the best safety feature available. Even with a stable stool, the risk of slipping on wet tiles or losing balance while reaching for the toilet remains high. Establishing a routine where a parent stands nearby during the initial stages of potty training can provide immediate physical support if a wobble occurs. Additionally, consider using non-slip bath mats inside and outside the shower or tub area to reduce general slip hazards in the bathroom, which often contribute to secondary injuries when a child falls from a higher point.

Another vital aspect of household safety is staying informed about product recalls before they become emergencies. Many families do not realize that registration cards for products are often the fastest way to receive recall notifications. If you have purchased children’s items, furniture, or electronics in the past, take time each month to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) database for automotive recalls. Signing up for email alerts from these agencies ensures that you are notified immediately if a product you own is deemed unsafe. This proactive step allows you to address issues while they are still minor, rather than waiting for an incident to occur.

Finally, consider the broader context of your home’s safety infrastructure. Regularly inspecting all furniture and fixtures for signs of wear, loose screws, or frayed cords can prevent accidents before they happen. For instance, anchoring bookshelves and TVs to the wall prevents tipping, while installing outlet covers prevents electrocution. By combining vigilant product maintenance with general home safety practices, you create a resilient environment that protects your family from both known hazards and unforeseen risks. Remember that safety is not a one-time task but an ongoing practice of awareness and care.