What IL Parents Need To Know About Dumpling Squishies

Do you know a kid with a dumpling squishy obsession? Many parents are voicing concerns about toxic chemicals inside these viral toys, and there are a few important things you need to look for before buying one.

Squishy Obsession

If you have kids, there's a very good chance you've heard the words "NeeDoh" and "dumpling squishy" approximately 47,000 times this week.

a close up of a cupcake with frosting and sprinkles — Photo by Rikokill on Unsplash

As a mom with two daughters who are completely obsessed with squishies, I can confidently say I am one more squishy discussion away from losing my mind.

Every trip to the store turns into a scavenger hunt for the latest squishy craze, and I cannot count how many times my kids have been disappointed by the squishy selection available at stores in the Rockford area.

Both of my daughters recently purchased a squishy shaped like a giant stick of butter, but the squishy they are endlessly searching for is: a dumpling.

If you're not familiar with the trend, dumpling squishies are soft, gel-filled sensory toys that look like tiny smiling dumplings. Thanks to TikTok and social media, they've become nearly impossible for kids to resist... and to find.

Unfortunately, there are some safety concerns parents need to be aware of before buying their kids a dumpling squishy too.

Dumpling Squishy Safety Concerns

Thanks to my kids' squishy obsession, I've quickly learned that "fake" squishies are being sold everywhere these days, and some of them come with some serious safety concerns.

A Canadian dad recently went viral for the alarming results he got after testing dumpling squishies his daughter bought at Walmart:

@learning.the.limits I went ahead and tested the viral squishy dumplings directly from the packaging. The results were very concerning. #squishy #dumpling #needoh #toxic #vocs ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design

@learning.the.limits Testing for toxic VOCs in ambient air next to viral squishy dumplings. #mystery #dumplings #squishy #voc ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design

Toxic fumes are nothing I care to mess around with, and after doing a little more research, I think the problem lies with knock-offs.

Toxic fumes aren't the only issue these gel-filled sensory toys can present. The toys can pop easily, and many reports have been filed about leaking gel causing skin irritation and chemical burns in some children.

Will this information stop my daughters from asking for dumpling squishies? Probably not, but it has definitely proven to me that dupe squishies have no place in our home.

Here are some helpful tips on how to spot a real dumpling squishy from a fake one:

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