Toy: A Squishy Trend Sparks Urgent Safety Concerns

A squishy toy trend has caused alarming injuries, including traumatising burns to a child, prompting urgent safety warnings from parents and health officials.

Charlotte, a concerned parent, described the incident: “When she came in, I could see straight away her face was bright red; it looked like she’d been whacked in the face and I could see the scald mark and there was skin missing and blisters.” The rise in popularity of these toys has raised significant safety concerns.

The trend has coincided with the upcoming release of LEGO Brickheadz sets, including a highly anticipated Toy Story 5 collection. On June 1, 2026, LEGO will unveil three new sets featuring beloved characters like Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, and two Aliens. The Toy Story Brickheadz pack contains 528 pieces, while the Alice in Wonderland set has 601 pieces.

This surge in interest is reflected in industry publications as well. The May issue of Toy World spans 121 pages and includes a special supplement on Disney’s Toy Story 5. It also highlights upcoming trends such as Wheeled Toys and Arts & Crafts for infants.

Despite the excitement surrounding new releases and collectibles for both children and adults, the shadow of injury looms large. Parents are urged to remain vigilant as more reports surface about injuries linked to these squishy toys.

The Toymaster May Show is also expected to address these concerns, showcasing safe alternatives to popular toys. As toy manufacturers navigate this precarious landscape, they must prioritize consumer safety to regain trust.

While the industry adapts to these challenges, uncertainty remains about how widespread these injuries are and whether further regulations will be implemented. The conversation around toy safety is far from over.