“Squishy” toys are all the rage these days. From NeeDoh Nice Cubes to TabaSquishy dumplings, these sensory fidget and stress-relief toys have flooded the market. Many of these squishy, dough-like toys are filled with gel which, when exposed to extreme temperatures, can explode and cause significant burn injuries. Medical providers have warned that viral TikTok trends of heating, freezing or microwaving these toys have sent numerous children and teens to emergency rooms with severe burns.

What Are the Risks NeeDohs and Other Squishy Toys Pose to Kids?

Many squishy toys are filled with a thick gel made from ingredients like maltose (a type of sugar) or polyvinyl alcohol. Unlike water, these gels can trap heat very quickly. When the toy gets too hot, steam builds up inside. As the pressure grows, the outer shell can no longer hold it, causing the toy to burst.

When this happens, the hot gel can spray out and stick to a person's skin or clothing like glue. Because the gel stays in contact with the skin, it can cause painful burns that may require emergency medical treatment.

The gel may also irritate the eyes or skin. If swallowed, it could create additional health concerns.

What to Do if You or Your Child Have Been Injured by a NeeDoh, TabaSquishy, or Other Gel-Filled Toy

First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention. Gently wash off the gel substance with cool water, and continue to use cool water over the affected areas for 15-20 minutes. If you or your child are in severe pain, the burn involves anywhere on the face, the hands, genitals or a large area of the body or if the burn blisters, seek emergency care right away. Photograph the injuries as soon as you are safely able to do so, and continue to photograph the injuries as they heal.

Next, make sure that the toy and its packaging, including any warning labels, is preserved. Even if it is in multiple pieces or seems destroyed, put everything that it left into a bag or container and do not throw it away.

Collect and save all medical records, bills and insurance EOBs or documentation related to the incident and treatment. This includes any receipts for co-pays, out-of-pocket costs medications, etc.

Finally, document what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. When did the incident occur? Who witnessed the incident? How was the toy being used at the time of the incident? Had the toy been heated, frozen or otherwise exposed to extreme temperatures, such as being left in a hot car, prior to the incident? At the time of the incident, was your child following a social media trend or trend among their peers in handling the NeeDoh or squishy?

My Child Has Been Severely Burned by a Squishy Toy. Do We Have a Case?

If you or your child have been severely burned from an erupting/broken squishy toy, you may have a legal case against the manufacturer of the toy. Pope McGlamry is investigating potential product liability claims on behalf of children and others burned by NeeDoh, Taba and other similar gel-filled squishy toys. Pope McGlamry has decades of experience pursuing claims against manufacturers of dangerous products who put corporate profits over consumer safety.

At Pope McGlamry, we accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients don’t pay anything up front and gain immediate access to legal protection. Call or contact us today for a free case evaluation. Call our attorneys at (404)-523-7706 for a free consultation, or submit your case evaluation online.