Are squishy toys safe? What experts say parents should know

Recent recalls have put the popular toy category under scrutiny.

Squishy toys are meant to spark play and imagination, but recent headlines have made some parents wonder whether they are safe. Several toys in this trending category have recently faced safety concerns.

Two versions of so-called mystery squishy bun toys were recalled because the water beads inside can swell if swallowed, creating a serious choking and ingestion hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that if a water bead is eaten, it can cause indigestion, choking and intestinal obstruction, along with vomiting, dehydration and other serious effects.

Another concern surfaced when Schylling, Inc., the company behind the viral NeeDoh toys, was named in a proposed class action lawsuit alleging the toys can burst when exposed to heat and potentially cause burns.

That raises the question: Are squishy toys safe for children? We asked toy experts for their guidance.

What are squishy toys?

According to the BBC, squishy toys are rubber toys that can be compressed into different shapes and then bounce back to their original form.

The Toy Association, a nonprofit trade group representing hundreds of companies in the toy industry, says these toys are commonly made from soft foam (polyurethane), thermoplastic rubber or silicone.

Are squishy toys safe?

In general, the answer is yes. Federal law bars children’s toys that do not meet CPSC safety standards from being sold or imported in the United States, although not every product on the market complies.

“It’s important for families to understand that authentic squishy toys made by legitimate brands are safe — they comply with over 100 strict toy safety standards and tests required by federal law,” says Adrienne Appell, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. “However, there are fake squishy toys sold by bad actors, and those products do not meet rigorous safety standards.”

In the recalled dumpling toys, the problem was that the water beads inside expanded beyond allowed limits. In the proposed NeeDoh lawsuit, the allegation is that the company did not properly warn consumers about the risks of heating the toys. Schylling, Inc. declined to comment because the case is still pending.

As the category has surged in popularity and many major brands have sold out, the market has also seen more imitation and counterfeit products.

“Typically, whenever a category shows the potential for exponential sales growth, it creates a secondary market for knockoffs or counterfeit products,” says Lynn Rosenblum, an associate professor of toy design at Otis College of Art and Design. “For example, first there were Labubus, then there were Lafufus.”

So far, the CPSC says it has stopped 355,683 units of violative squishy toys from entering the country. The commission also issued a safety alert warning consumers about the dangers of fake or counterfeit toys.

According to The Toy Association, counterfeit squishy toys are more likely to tear or break, shed filling or small parts, and may contain hazardous chemicals banned in children’s products. The group notes that some recently recalled squishy toys contain water beads that can seriously injure a child if swallowed.

“While counterfeit squishy toys are often cheaper, it’s for a reason: they cost less to make,” Rosenblum says. “To keep costs down, their producers frequently cut back or ignore costly safety measures that legitimate manufacturers must meet. Knockoff squishy toys may also be made from substandard materials that leak or don’t hold their shape.”

How can you tell if a squishy toy is safe?

Authentic squishy toys must undergo extensive testing to meet safety requirements, including ASTM F963 testing, which covers issues such as material quality and flammability. Rosenblum says shoppers should look for age grading, safety warnings or child-use instructions that show the toy has been inspected or reviewed.

When buying online, the Toy Association says consumers should be cautious of generic or unfamiliar sellers, misspellings in product descriptions and poorly edited images, since those can signal a counterfeit item.

“Legitimate, safe squishy toys will include a clearly identified manufacturer or brand name on the product packaging and embossed on the squishy toy itself,” Appell says. “Proper packaging will come with complete product information (including an age label and instructions for safe use), as well as the company’s contact and return information. If something about the packaging, product quality, or labeling doesn’t look right, that’s a reason to stop and investigate before giving the toy to your child.”

How to play with squishy toys safely

Even toys from reputable brands can pose risks if they are used incorrectly. “Kids should always use a toy as intended. So, in the case of squishies, stick to squishing,” says Appell.

Rosenblum says squishy toys should never go in the mouth, even if they appear edible or are shown that way on social media. “It seems like common sense, but it’s worth saying as there have been incidents of kids ingesting these polymers, which can cause serious medical issues or worse,” she says. “Even if a toy is labeled as food-grade silicone or has a sugar-based filling that’s safe to eat, the finished toy is not food. Biting, chewing, sucking on, or swallowing components of any toy, squishy or otherwise, is dangerous.”

Many squishy toys also carry warnings about heat. The Toy Association says they should never be microwaved or intentionally heated, and they should not be left in direct sunlight, hot cars or other places where they could overheat. “Exposure to high heat could damage the toy or cause it to rupture, potentially creating a burn or other injury risk,” the group warns.

“Parents should also inspect squishy toys regularly,” says Appell. “If a toy is torn, punctured, leaking, sticky, unusually soft, discolored, or beginning to deteriorate, stop using it and throw it away. And, as with any toy, always follow the manufacturer’s age guidance and instructions for safe play.”

Frequently asked questions

What are squishy toys made of?

According to The Toy Association, squishy toys from reputable manufacturers use materials considered safe for children when used as intended. Most major-brand versions are made from soft foam (polyurethane), thermoplastic rubber or silicone.

How can you tell if you're buying from a reputable brand online?

Follow the tips above when shopping for a squishy toy online, and avoid listings with obvious spelling mistakes or brands with no sales history.

“You can also visit a toy manufacturer’s official website, since many brands will provide links to authorized retailers, which can help you make sure you’re purchasing the legitimate product,” Appell says.

Meet our experts

• Lynn Rosenblum is an associate professor of toy design at Otis College of Art and Design. Her experience in the toy industry spans every toy category. She has also served as an expert witness in over 20 toy industry and consumer product legal cases.
• Adrienne Appell is the executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. The Toy Association is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents hundreds of companies in the toy market.