Nisha Pandey

How This Viral 'Squishy' Toy Left Several Children With Severe Burns? Doctors Issue Warning To Parents

Viral 'Squishy' Toy Trend Leaves Children With Severe Burns; Doctors Issue Urgent Warning To Parents

Doctors and health experts across the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia are warning parents about a dangerous social media trend involving gel-filled "squishy" sensory toys, including the popular <span>NeeDoh Nice Cube</span>. 

This trend has children microwaving the toys after watching viral online videos that claim it makes them softer. In many cases, the toys exploded, spraying scalding gel that caused severe burns, permanent scarring, and hospitalization in some cases.

<h2>The <span rel="noindex">Viral Squishy Toy Trend</span> </h2>

The viral challenge got children to microwave, heat or even freeze sensory toys before squeezing them.  

The thick gel inside these toys can rapidly build pressure when heated. When the toy bursts, it ejects extremely hot, sticky gel that clings to the skin, making burns deeper and more difficult to treat.  

The danger is particularly high as the skin of children is thinner. Additionally, they often hold the toy close to their faces.

<h2>Alarming Incidents Across Countries  </h2>

Several children around the world have suffered serious injuries due to the trend. One of the most widely reported cases was 9-year-old <span>Caleb Chabolla</span> from Illinois, who microwaved a <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/is-redirecting-your-toddlers-energy-into-household-chores-a-good-idea-article-151288714" data-type="tilCustomLink">NeeDoh Nice Cube </a> after believing it would become softer.  

As he removed it from the microwave, the toy exploded, leaving him with second-degree burns to his face and hands. He was taken to a specialized burn center.  

In Australia, 10-year-old Violet Zerbst suffered severe facial burns after microwaving the toy. When she squeezed it, boiling gel splashed across her face. Her father shared the traumatic experience to warn other parents.  

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/recurring-utis-in-west-bengal-toddler-reveal-rare-metabolic-disorder-cystinuria-heres-what-parents-should-know-article-154946878" data-type="tilCustomLink">Recurring UTIs In West Bengal Toddler Reveal Rare Metabolic Disorder - Cystinuria; Here's What Parents Should Know</a>

Another recent case involved 7-year-old Livi Barnard in the UK, whose mother says a NeeDoh toy leaked hot liquid onto her hands, causing painful burns and blisters that required repeated hospital dressing changes.  

In one case, the toy exploded without being microwaved. In West Virginia, a teenager was burned after a squishy toy that had been left inside a hot car exploded, releasing hot sticky material onto her legs. 

Doctors at the <span>Royal Hospital for Children</span> in Glasgow have seen multiple children with similar burn injuries over recent months, with some requiring skin grafts and long-term care.

<h2>Doctors Issue Urgent Warning To Parents  </h2>

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Burn specialists say that these injuries are far more serious than they seem. The hot gel sticks to the skin, continuing to transfer heat for a longer time even after the initial explosion.  

In severe cases, while children have required skin grafts, some have been placed in medically induced comas to protect their airways after extensive facial burns.  

<ul><li>Never allow children to microwave, heat, or freeze <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/keeping-your-baby-clean-and-healthy-hygiene-tips-for-every-parent-article-151070965" data-type="tilCustomLink">squishy toys</a>. </li></ul>

<ul><li>Warn children about dangerous viral social media challenges. </li></ul>

<ul><li>Keep sensory toys away from hot cars and other high-temperature environments. </li></ul>

<ul><li>Seek immediate medical attention if a burn occurs, especially if the gel sticks to the skin or affects the face or eyes.  </li></ul>

The manufacturer of NeeDoh, Schylling, has already put warnings on product packaging stating that the toys should never be heated, microwaved, or frozen.

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Doctors and health experts across the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia are warning parents about a dangerous social media trend involving gel-filled "squishy" sensory toys, including the popular NeeDoh Nice Cube. This trend has children microwaving the toys after watching viral online videos that claim it makes them softer. In many cases, the toys exploded, spraying scalding gel that caused severe burns, permanent scarring, and hospitalization in some cases.  The Viral Squishy Toy Trend The viral challenge got children to microwave, heat or even freeze sensory toys before squeezing them.  The thick gel inside these toys can rapidly build pressure when heated. When the toy bursts, it ejects extremely hot, sticky gel that clings to the skin, making burns deeper and more difficult to treat.  The danger is particularly high as the skin of children is thinner. Additionally, they often hold the toy close to their faces. Alarming Incidents Across Countries  Several children around the world have suffered serious injuries due to the trend. One of the most widely reported cases was 9-year-old Caleb Chabolla from Illinois, who microwaved a NeeDoh Nice Cube  after believing it would become softer.  As he removed it from the microwave, the toy exploded, leaving him with second-degree burns to his face and hands. He was taken to a specialized burn center.  In Australia, 10-year-old Violet Zerbst suffered severe facial burns after microwaving the toy. When she squeezed it, boiling gel splashed across her face. Her father shared the traumatic experience to warn other parents.  Also read: Recurring UTIs In West Bengal Toddler Reveal Rare Metabolic Disorder - Cystinuria; Here's What Parents Should KnowAnother recent case involved 7-year-old Livi Barnard in the UK, whose mother says a NeeDoh toy leaked hot liquid onto her hands, causing painful burns and blisters that required repeated hospital dressing changes.  In one case, the toy exploded without being microwaved. In West Virginia, a teenager was burned after a squishy toy that had been left inside a hot car exploded, releasing hot sticky material onto her legs. Doctors at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow have seen multiple children with similar burn injuries over recent months, with some requiring skin grafts and long-term care. Doctors Issue Urgent Warning To Parents                             Burn specialists say that these injuries are far more serious than they seem. The hot gel sticks to the skin, continuing to transfer heat for a longer time even after the initial explosion.  In severe cases, while children have required skin grafts, some have been placed in medically induced comas to protect their airways after extensive facial burns.  Medical experts are urging parents to: Never allow children to microwave, heat, or freeze squishy toys. Warn children about dangerous viral social media challenges. Keep sensory toys away from hot cars and other high-temperature environments. Seek immediate medical attention if a burn occurs, especially if the gel sticks to the skin or affects the face or eyes.  The manufacturer of NeeDoh, Schylling, has already put warnings on product packaging stating that the toys should never be heated, microwaved, or frozen.

viral 'squishy' toy trend leaves children with severe burns; doctors issue urgent warning to parents

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How This Viral 'Squishy' Toy Left Several Children With Severe Burns? Doctors Issue Warning To Parents

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Health Conditions A-Z