Parents warned over dangers of NeeDoh Cubes and one place you should never leave them

Parents have been urged to be aware of the potential dangers linked to a trend involving NeeDoh Cubes, including one place experts warn the toys should never be left.

The gel-filled fidget toys have surged in popularity thanks to social media, but a worrying viral challenge has seen some young users placing them in microwaves, with reports of serious injuries as a result.

Experts warn that heating the toys can cause the gel inside to become extremely hot, potentially leading the cube to rupture or explode.

Concerned parents have since shared images of children who have suffered severe injuries, including second and third-degree burns, after taking part in the dangerous challenge

NeeDoh Cubes are not designed to be heated or used in this way, and safety experts are now helping parents who are concerned about the risks. Burns caused by hot gel can result in serious injuries, including deep tissue damage and long-term consequences.

Toy manufacturer Schylling has actively partnered with social media platforms to remove videos promoting the trend from platforms. The company’s labels explicitly warn users not to heat, freeze or microwave the toys.

In a statement to CBS News, Schylling said:"Ensuring the safety of our consumers is fundamental for Schylling. We are disappointed to see there has been a trend on socialmedia demonstrating misuse of our NeeDoh products. "Misusing a NeeDoh product by microwaving, heating, or freezing is dangerous and could cause injury to the consumer. Schylling is working with social media companies such as TikTok to remove influential content containing NeeDoh product misuse.

NeeDoh toys have become a huge social media craze (Lidl)

"Additionally, Schylling has included a safety warning on NeeDoh packaging and our all e-commerce listings to help combat product misuse."

But there are also concerns beyond he startling microwave trend. Some children may unknowingly leave the toys in places where they can become extremely hot, such as inside a car.

Toys left in hot cars can also cause serious injuries. Squishy toys, like the ones at the centre of this trend, are known to burst when they’re hot and left in direct sunlight.

The danger is not unique to NeeDohs as any squishy toy can also heat up and rupture in a similar way. NeeDoh’s packaging warns customers not to leave them in a hot car or direct sunlight.

Dr. Jasmine Lemmons explained to Dallas Morning News: “It may not be at the front of parents’ minds, because they’re probably trying to check the seat belts and car seat itself to make sure it’s not too hot. But quickly checking the toys is important too, because kids jump in the car and immediately want to grab the toy without realising that they’re so hot.”

Parents have shared their concerns about the trend (CBS Chicago)

Lemmons said many toys can become dangerous when left in a hot car, but squishy toys containing gel can be particularly risky because they absorb heat quickly.

As the toys warm up, the gel inside expands, causing pressure to build. Picking up a heated squishy toy can increase that pressure, which may cause it to burst.

“These burns can have lifelong complications because they can be pretty severe,” Lemmons said. “You can get scarring, and if it’s severe enough, permanent disfiguration from these gelatinous gooey toys.”

In the event of a burn, Lemmons says the hot toy causing the burn should be removed immediately. The burn should be run under water for 20 minutes before being covered with a non-stick dressing.

Avoiding placing ice on the burn as this decreases blood flow to the era. You should also avoid treating burns with oil or butter as this can trap heat.

You should also consider visiting the ER to get the burn evaluated.