Kids may love the satisfying squish of sensory toys, but parents should take a closer look before bringing one home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning about the dangers of counterfeit squishy toys and the viral trends that accompany them.
As squishy toys continue to grow in popularity, CPSC has identified a rise in counterfeit products sold through online marketplaces, social media, discount stores, and other channels. While they might look like the real thing, many of these toys fail to meet federal safety requirements and often contain dangerous fillings such as water beads, lead, phthalates, and even mysterious, undisclosed materials. If the outer covering tears, kids are at significant risk of choking, chemical exposure, intestinal blockages, and other injuries.
To avoid squishy swindlers, CPSC recommends purchasing toys from reputable sellers, double-checking the packaging, and avoiding products that appear damaged, leak, have a strong chemical odor, or feel unusually sticky or oily. Parents should follow the manufacturer’s age restrictions and inspect their kids’ toys regularly for signs of tears, discoloration, or deterioration. If the toy develops damage, remove it immediately and avoid ingesting or direct skin contact with any released material.Â
CPSC is also reminding families that squishy toys should never be microwaved or intentionally heated. Contrary to dangerous viral videos, warmed toys may burst and release sticky, scalding-hot substances that can cause severe burns. Families should also be aware of squishy toys left in direct sunlight, in hot cars, near heaters, or in other high-temperature environments, and discourage any attempts to recreate the online trend.
Families can learn more about toy safety and report counterfeit or unsafe products at cpsc.gov.
