Are squishy toys safe for children?

Squishy sensory toys are popular among kids and adults. From colorful cubes and friendly foods to stress balls, these squeezable toys can be fun fidgets that can have calming effects.

Recently, squishy toys have made headlines after reports of serious burns caused by toys that were heated in microwaves or burst after being left inside hot cars.

Sara Loftin, LPC-S, RPT-S, Clinical Therapist at Children's Health℠ and Jasmine Lemmons, M.D., Emergency Medicine Physician at Children’s Medical Center Plano, share what parents should know about the benefits of these popular toys, how to use them safely and what to do if something goes wrong.

Why are squishy toys so popular?

Kids love squishy toys because they're colorful, fun to squeeze and come in playful shapes. For some children, squishy toys can also have a calming effect.

“Many children experience an increase in dopamine when they receive something new,” Loftin says. “Because squishy toys are enjoyable, inexpensive, collectible and others have them, children are drawn to this craze.”

Social media has also helped fuel their popularity, making them a must-have toy for many families.

What are the benefits of squishy toys?

Repetitive squeezing is a sensory input that can comfort some kids and adults by:

• Managing stress

• Encouraging mindfulness

• Providing a healthy outlet for nervous energy

• Distracting from stressful or intrusive thoughts to increase focus

"Every child is different, so squishy toys won’t have the same effect for everyone. However, they can be a helpful way for some children to regulate their emotions and improve focus,” Loftin says.

Are squishy toys safe?

Generally, yes – when they are used as directed on the packaging.

The recent injuries making headlines were linked to misuse rather than normal play. To ensure your child’s squishy toy is safe, parents should:

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on packaging carefully. Look for age recommendations, care instructions and warnings.

• Avoid off-brand squishy toys. These toys often do not come in packaging and have increased risks, including chemical odors and leaking. When in doubt, always purchase from reputable retailers.

• Inspect toys frequently. Look for leaks or cracks.

• Never allow kids to put toys in their mouth. Smaller squishy toys pose a choking risk to children under 3.

Check out these 5 tips for buying safe toys for children.

Is it safe to microwave squishy toys?

No, it is not safe to microwave squishy toys. A viral trend circulating social media challenged kids to microwave squishy toys, which is extremely dangerous. The gel inside squishy toys absorbs heat, causing them to expand, build pressure and burst.

This can cause severe burns and lifelong complications.

“You can get scarring, and if it’s severe enough, permanent disfiguration from these gelatinous gooey toys,” Dr. Lemmons says.

Can squishy toys be left in a hot car?

It is not safe to leave squishy toys in a hot car. High temperatures can weaken the toy's outer material, increase pressure inside and risk the chance of bursting or leaking. Parents should store toys indoors.

“It may not be at the front of parents’ minds because they’re probably trying to check the seatbelts and car seat itself to make sure it’s not too hot,” Dr. Lemmons says. “But quickly checking the toys is important too, because kids jump in the car and immediately want to grab the toy without realizing that they’re so hot.”

What if a squishy toy cracks or starts leaking?

If a toy becomes damaged, immediately stop using it and safely discard it. Parents should:

• Keep leaking material away from children.

• Wash hands with soap and water after handling it.

• Dispose of the toy according to manufacturer instructions.

• Watch for skin or eye irritation.

What should parents do if a child is burned by a hot squishy toy?

If a child is burned after handling a hot squishy toy, parents should:

• Remove the hot substance from the skin with a towel or cloth.

• Cool the burn with running water for about 20 minutes. Do not use ice or ice-cold water as this slows blood flow, Dr. Lemmons says.

• Don't apply butter, toothpaste or home remedies.

• Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing.

• Seek emergency care for severe burns, burns on the face, hands, feet or genitals, or if blistering is extensive.

When should parents call poison control?

Poison control should be called if toy contents have been swallowed, gotten into the eyes or caused persistent symptoms after skin exposure.

If you believe your child has been poisoned, call the Nationwide Poison Control Center number at (800) 222-1222 immediately. Don't wait for your child to look or act sick. Nurses, pharmacists and toxicologists are available to quickly answer your questions and tell you what to do.

Find care for your child

Whether your child needs treatment for a toy-related injury or support for their physical, emotional or behavioral health, Children's Health offers expert care close to home. With two pediatric emergency rooms, pediatric urgent care locations across the Metroplex, behavioral health services, high-quality virtual care and trusted pediatricians, we're here when you need us most.