Research In Action

Gel-filled sensory toys such as NeeDoh are popular with children and teens because they are soft, colorful, and satisfying to squeeze. But recent injury reports are highlighting a serious and preventable hazard: when these toys are heated, especially in a microwave, the gel inside can become dangerously hot, expand, and rupture through the toy’s outer shell. 

Children have reportedly sustained second- and third-degree burns after microwaving squishy toys and then squeezing or handling them. The heated gel can burst suddenly, stick to skin, and cause deep thermal injury. Some injuries have involved the face, hands, chest, and extremities—areas that can require urgent evaluation, wound care, and in severe cases, burn specialty treatment.

Clinicians and parents should also be aware that this risk may not be limited to intentional microwaving or social media challenges. Gel-filled toys may also be inadvertently heated when left in hot environments, including a parked car. On warm days, vehicle interiors can become dangerously hot, and a squishy toy left on a seat, in a backpack, or near a window may heat enough to increase internal pressure or make the filling unsafe to touch. 

Prevention messaging should be direct and practical: do not microwave, heat, freeze, or leave gel-filled squishy toys in hot cars. Caregivers should inspect toys for cracks, leaks, or changes in texture, and children should be taught that toys advertised as “squishy” or “sensory” are not designed to be altered with heat. This is especially important because children may hear about these trends from peers even if they are not personally using social media.