Authorities warn fake squishy toys could pose serious risks to children. Tips to keep your kids safe

(Gray News) – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning parents and caregivers that fake and counterfeit versions of the popular squishy toys could seriously hurt your child.

The soft, squishy, squeezy toys are shaped like animals, food and other items.

While they look harmless, a lot of the toys being sold online, in discount stores and through social media shops are fake.

This means they were never tested for safety and don’t meet federal standards and could be hiding some scary stuff inside.

The CPSC has identified 55 shipments of violative squishy toys at U.S. ports and worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to block 355,683 units from entering the country.

The agency has also issued notices of violation to companies importing or selling noncompliant products — and says it will keep using its enforcement and import-surveillance authority to keep dangerous toys out of American homes.

The CPSC says these fake toys may:

• Break apart during normal play, releasing small parts that young children can choke on
• Contain excessive lead or banned chemicals called phthalates
• Be filled with water beads, gels, powders, liquids, or sand — materials that can cause serious harm if a child swallows, inhales or inserts them into their nose or ear
• Lack required safety labels, age warnings or manufacturer information
• Never have been tested by a certified lab — which federal law requires for children’s toys

If a child swallows a water bead, it can expand inside the body and cause intestinal blockages.

How to spot a fake before you buy

You don’t need to be a safety expert. Here’s what to look for:

• Know the seller. Buy from reputable retailers and verified sellers. If you can’t find clear contact or return information, that’s a red flag.
• Be suspicious of suspiciously low prices. If the price is dramatically lower than what you’d pay at a major retailer, it may be counterfeit or substandard.
• Check the packaging. Look for misspelled words, blurry printing, missing manufacturer information, or no age grading or safety warnings. Legit toys have all of this information.
• Inspect the toy regularly. Stop using any toy that is torn, punctured, leaking, sticky, unusually soft, discolored or starting to fall apart.
• Keep damaged toys away from kids immediately. Don’t let children touch, swallow, inhale or play with anything that has come out of a damaged toy.
• Always keep toys away from heat. Never microwave squishy toys. Don’t leave them in hot cars, in direct sunlight, near heaters or on hot surfaces.
• Be careful during cleanup. If a toy bursts, avoid direct skin contact with the material inside.
• Follow age restrictions. Toys with small parts or ingestible materials should be kept away from young children.

The viral trend making this worse

Videos are circulating online showing what happens when you microwave a squishy toy — they expand, change texture and sometimes burst. Kids are watching these videos, and some are trying it.

The CPSC reminds parents and caregivers not to let your kids to this.

When these toys are heated, whether in a microwave, left in a hot car, placed near a heater, or left in direct sunlight, they can burst and release material that causes severe burns. The filling can be sticky and adhere to skin and keep transferring heat even after contact, making the injury worse.

If a burn happens: What to do

If a heated or burst toy causes a burn, act fast:

• Put the affected skin under cool running water immediately — and keep it there for at least 20 minutes.
• Gently wash the area with mild soap to remove any remaining material.
• Do not use ice. It can make the injury worse.
• Cover the burn with a nonstick sterile dressing after cooling and cleaning.
• Seek medical attention if the burn is severe, involves a young child or shows signs of infection.