Children are landing in emergency rooms after attempting a viral social media trend that involves microwaving squishy sensory toys.
The viral trend frequently involves NeeDoh squishy cubes, even though the product packaging specifically warns users not to heat the toys.
Doctors warn that the seemingly harmless experiment can quickly turn into a medical emergency when the superheated gel inside the toy explodes and causes severe burns.
"Misusing a NeeDoh product by microwaving, heating, or freezing is dangerous and could cause injury to the consumer. Schylling has partnered with social media companies, such as TikTok, to remove influential content that misuses NeeDoh products," Schylling, the parent company of NeeDoh, told People.
Videos circulating on social media have shown children and teens heating squishy toys, often marketed as stress-relief or sensory fidget items, in microwaves to soften them or make them more pliable.
In some clips, users squeeze, puncture, or cut open the toys after heating them, unaware that the contents may have reached temperatures capable of causing serious burns.
Pediatric specialists say the trend has resulted in multiple cases of children suffering injuries after the toys ruptured, spraying superheated gel onto their skin.
Unlike hot water, the thick gel can cling to the body, allowing heat to remain in contact with the skin for longer periods and increasing the severity of burns.
Why the Gel Can Be So Dangerous
Many squishy toys are filled with polymer gels, water-based compounds, or other viscous materials designed to create a soft, squeezable texture.
Burns become more severe the longer heat remains in contact with the skin. Because heated gel is thick and sticky, it can continue transferring heat even after the initial spill, making injuries worse than they might appear.
Microwaves also heat materials unevenly. While the outside of a toy may feel only warm, pockets of gel inside can become significantly hotter, creating pressure that may cause the toy to burst when squeezed or punctured.
Experts say children often mistake the toys for being safe to handle because the outer shell may not feel excessively hot.
Children Are Especially Vulnerable
Young children have thinner skin than adults, making them more susceptible to deeper burns from the same heat exposure.
Burn severity depends not only on temperature but also on the duration of contact. Sticky substances, including heated gels, can continue damaging tissue until they are cooled and removed safely.
Serious burns may involve blistering, intense pain, swelling, or skin that appears white, leathery, or charred. In severe cases, burns can damage deeper layers of tissue and require hospitalization.
Most sensory squishy toys are not designed to be heated unless the manufacturer specifically states they are microwave safe.
Consumer product labels typically warn against exposing the toys to excessive heat, puncturing them, or placing them in appliances such as microwaves or ovens.
Heating a sealed object can also increase internal pressure, making it more likely to rupture unexpectedly.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends following manufacturer instructions carefully and avoiding social media challenges that encourage using products in ways they were never intended.
Safety experts say viral trends often prioritize entertainment over accuracy, leaving viewers unaware of hidden hazards.
What to Do if a Child Is Burned
If a child is burned by hot gel or another heated substance, experts recommend acting quickly.
Cool the burn under cool running water for about 20 minutes as soon as possible. Ice should not be applied directly to burns because it can further damage the skin.
Clothing or jewelry near the affected area should be removed if they are not stuck to the skin. If material is adhered to the wound, it should be left in place until medical professionals can evaluate it.
Parents should avoid applying butter, toothpaste, oils, or other home remedies, as these can trap heat and increase the risk of infection.
Immediate medical attention is recommended if burns are large, involve the face, hands, feet, or genitals, appear deep, or occur in infants and young children.
