Mother Issues Warning After Son Hospitalized Following Squishy Toy Explosion

A mother is warning parents about the potential dangers of squishy toys after her 10-year-old son was hospitalized when one such toy exploded in his face at the Royal Adelaide Show. The incident occurred Friday when the boy, Mason Bennett, was examining a squishy ball at a stall. The toy suddenly burst, covering his face with an unknown substance.

Mason immediately began coughing, had difficulty breathing, and started vomiting, prompting his mother, Amanda, to rush him to the hospital. Photos shared by Ms. Bennett show Mason with his hands over his eyes, his face appearing red. "He just squished it in his hand like any other kid would and the whole thing exploded straight over his whole entire face," Ms. Bennett told 7News. She described him as "choking on it, finding it hard to breathe, constantly coughing, a little bit wheezy."

Ms. Bennett expressed concern that the toy might have been a counterfeit version of popular stress-relief products like NeeDoh. She stated that the stall owner could not provide packaging or a product code for the toy. "I asked the lady from the stall what was inside the squishy, and she said she had no idea," Ms. Bennett said. "I'm extremely concerned because if they can't tell you what the ingredient is, then they shouldn't be selling them."

A stranger at the stall assisted Ms. Bennett in treating Mason, pouring water over his head while she used baby wipes and Mason's twin brother helped clear his throat. Despite being discharged from the hospital, Mason continued to cough for five days. He later returned to Noarlunga Hospital for X-rays to ensure the substance had not entered his lungs.

Ms. Bennett is urging other parents to be cautious when purchasing similar toys, advising them to check packaging and ingredients and to ask vendors about the contents. The Royal Adelaide Show organizer stated that the stall owner claimed to have sold toys from a reputable brand.

This incident follows a recent crackdown by the Australian Border Force on counterfeit squishy toys entering the market due to safety concerns. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has previously issued guidance regarding squishy toys, noting reports of harmful chemicals that can cause skin or eye irritation, nausea, headaches, or dizziness. Manufacturer Schylling, known for its NeeDoh brand, has implemented measures to combat counterfeit products, including working with Australian Customs to seize unauthorized goods at the border.

In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has also warned about knockoff toys sold through various online and retail channels. These toys, often resembling popular characters or objects, can pose an additional risk of bursting and causing severe burns if they overheat in direct sunlight or hot environments. Such overheating can cause the toy's material to become scorching hot upon expulsion.