Squishy Sensory Toy Safety: What Parents and Caregivers Should Know

Squishy sensory toys and stress balls are popular with children and teens. Designed to be squeezed, stretched and manipulated, these toys can provide entertainment and sensory stimulation.

But what happens when a child bites into a squishy toy, it breaks open or someone tries to heat it?

The Iowa Poison Control Center (IPCC) has seen an increase in exposure cases involving squishy sensory toys and stress balls in 2026 compared to the previous two years. Most cases have involved children biting into or rupturing the toys, resulting in contact with or ingestion of the filling.

While the filling in these toys may be described as "non-toxic," that does not mean the products are risk-free when they are damaged or used in ways they were not intended.

Here is what Iowa parents and caregivers should know about squishy toy safety.

Iowa Poison Control Center Sees Increase in Squishy Toy Exposures

So far in 2026, the Iowa Poison Control Center has managed approximately 60 exposure cases involving squishy sensory toys and stress balls, an increase from the previous two years.

About half of those cases involved children ages 5 and younger. However, exposures are not limited to young children. Approximately one-third of the cases involved children and teens ages 10 to 14.

Most reported exposures have involved children biting into or rupturing the toys, resulting in contact with or ingestion of the material inside.

What Is Inside a Squishy Sensory Toy?

The contents of squishy toys can vary by product. Depending on the type of toy, the filling may include gel-like, foam, bead or other materials designed to give the toy its unique texture.

Parents may see a toy or its contents described as "non-toxic," but it is important to understand what that term means.

Non-toxic does not mean something is intended to be swallowed or that an exposure is always risk-free.

The potential risk can depend on the specific product, how the exposure occurred, the amount involved and the age of the person exposed. That is why parents and caregivers should contact the Iowa Poison Control Center for individualized guidance if someone is exposed to the contents of a squishy toy.

What Should You Do If a Child Bites Into a Squishy Toy?

Children may bite or chew on squishy toys because of their soft texture and bright colors. Biting the toy can cause the outer material to rupture, potentially exposing the child to the filling inside.

If a child bites into or ruptures a squishy toy and is exposed to the contents, call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not rely solely on a "non-toxic" label or wait for symptoms to develop before seeking guidance. A poison expert can evaluate the circumstances of the exposure and provide recommendations based on the specific situation.

If possible, have the toy or its packaging available when you call.

Never Heat or Microwave Squishy Toys

Squishy sensory toys should never be heated or placed in a microwave.

Heating a toy can cause its contents to become extremely hot. If the toy ruptures or bursts, the heated material may come into contact with the skin and cause serious burn injuries.

Children and teens may encounter videos or social media content showing people heating, freezing, cutting open or otherwise altering popular toys. Parents and caregivers should talk with children about why they should not recreate these activities.

Squishy toys should always be used as intended.

Squishy Toys Can Also Present a Choking Hazard

Poisoning is not the only potential concern when a squishy toy becomes damaged.

If pieces of the outer material or other components break off or become detached, they may present a choking hazard, particularly for young children.

Parents and caregivers should regularly inspect squishy toys for signs of damage, including punctures, tears or leaks, and supervise young children during play.

Tips for Safer Squishy Toy Play

Parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of exposure and injury by following a few simple precautions:

• Follow the product's instructions and recommended age guidelines.
• Teach children not to bite, chew, puncture or intentionally break open squishy toys.
• Never heat or microwave a squishy sensory toy.
• Regularly inspect toys for punctures, tears, leaks or other damage.
• Supervise young children while they play with squishy toys.
• Be aware of small or detached pieces that could present a choking hazard.
• Talk with older children and teens about the risks of social media trends involving heating or altering toys.
• Call the Iowa Poison Control Center if someone is exposed to the contents of a squishy toy.

Are Squishy Toys Toxic?

There is no single answer that applies to every squishy sensory toy because the materials and fillings can vary by product.

Even when a product or its filling is labeled "non-toxic," children should not intentionally swallow the contents. An exposure should be evaluated based on the specific product and circumstances.

If a child bites into a squishy toy, swallows some of the filling or otherwise comes into contact with the contents, call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

What if my child bites into a NeeDoh or another squishy toy?

Products such as NeeDoh are part of a broader category of squishy sensory toys and stress balls. If a child bites into, punctures or ruptures any squishy toy and is exposed to the material inside, contact the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for individualized guidance. The potential risk depends on the specific product and circumstances of the exposure.

When in Doubt, Call the Iowa Poison Control Center

Squishy sensory toys can be enjoyed safely when they are used as intended, but exposures can happen when toys are bitten, punctured, ruptured or heated.

The Iowa Poison Control Center encourages parents and caregivers to supervise young children during play, regularly inspect toys for damage and remind children and teens never to heat or microwave squishy toys.

If someone is exposed to the contents of a squishy toy, call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poison experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide fast, free and confidential guidance.