Squishy toy microwave trend causes burns and counterfeit concerns

Health officials and safety regulators in the United States and Australia are issuing urgent warnings regarding a viral social media trend involving microwaving squishy toys. The trend, which involves heating soft toys until they swell or pop, has resulted in numerous injuries.

In Australia, the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network reported that 11 children were treated for burns at Westmead Hospital between January and September, with some requiring skin grafts. Medical professionals noted that the gel filling inside these toys becomes extremely sticky when heated, causing it to adhere to the skin and worsen burn severity.

In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that these demonstrations are dangerous and should not be imitated. The CPSC also highlighted risks from counterfeit toys, which may contain hazardous materials like lead or expanding water beads. By September 2026, the agency reported blocking over 355,000 units of counterfeit squishy toys at U.S. ports.

Beyond intentional microwaving, officials warned that these toys can become hazardous if left in hot environments, such as inside vehicles or under direct sunlight.