Squishy Toys Are Exploding In Hot Cars. What Parents Need To Know

Squishy toys, slime-filled stress balls and other gel-packed playthings may seem harmless, but they can become dangerous when they’re left in a hot vehicle.

A 13-year-old in West Virginia was reportedly burned when an overheated squishy toy burst beside her, splashing hot gel onto her legs. Past consumer safety reports have also documented incidents involving bursting squishy toys, including cases linked to toys left inside hot cars. A parked car can heat up quickly, especially in direct sun, and gel-filled toys can soften, expand and eventually rupture. Of course, kids and babies should never be left alone in a parked car, even for a moment.

“The inside of a parked car can exceed 120°F within an hour. This time frame is more than enough for gel-filled toys to soften and expand, ultimately leading to bursting. The main concern is that children hold them close to their faces,” Luke Oswald, an automotive specialist at Wheels Away, said in a press release.

Oswald also warned that the gel inside these toys can cling to skin rather than run off, which can make burns more serious. If a toy bursts, he says the priority is to cool the area under running water right away and seek medical attention.

The mess can also be expensive. Oswald said melted gel can stick to upholstery, carpets and trim, and professional cleaning may not fully solve the problem if the material stains leather or damages interior surfaces.

What parents should take out of the car

If your kids tend to bring toys everywhere, it’s worth doing a quick sweep before locking up the car. Look for:

• squishy or gel-filled toys
• slime or putty
• aerosols such as deodorant
• batteries
• medication
• chocolate or other melt-prone snacks

Parking in the shade, using a garage and putting up a windshield sunshade can also help slow the heat build-up inside the car.

What to do if a squishy toy bursts

If you notice a toy feels extremely hot or has already split open, remove it carefully and avoid smearing the gel further into fabric. For burns, cool the skin under running water and seek medical attention. For the car interior, fast cleanup matters because the longer the gel sits, the tougher it may be to remove.

This article was crafted with the assistance of an AI language model. The final content was reviewed and edited by a human and reflects the editorial judgment and expertise of Today's Parent.