Squishy toys pose safety risks to children

The rising popularity of squishy toys has led to growing consumer safety concerns. While designed for tactile distraction and sensory stimulation, some products are reportedly causing injuries to children.

Reports indicate that certain toys can rupture, overheat, or break apart, leading to risks of burns and potential exposure to toxic materials. Because products within this category vary significantly in their chemical components and fillings, the risks are inconsistent across brands. When a toy's outer casing fails, contents may come into contact with a child's skin, eyes, or mouth.

Social media has accelerated the spread of these items, often making them must-have products before regulators or parents can fully assess their safety. Medical professionals and consumer-safety authorities are currently monitoring the situation to determine if specific products violate safety standards.