A 9-year-old boy is recovering after suffering serious burns to his face and hands while trying a viral social media trend involving a popular sensory toy. He is the fourth child treated at a local hospital for injuries linked to the same trend.
According to a news release from Loyola Medicine, the incident happened on the morning of Jan. 20 as Caleb Chabolla was preparing to leave for school. Caleb attempted to microwave Schylling’s NeeDoh Nice Cube, a gel-filled sensory toy, hoping to make it softer.
Caleb’s mother, Whitney Grubb, said her son decided to try the trend after discussing it with a friend. At the time, she was in the garage warming up her car and assumed Caleb was heating up breakfast when she heard the microwave running.
Moments later, she heard what Loyola described as a “blood-curdling scream” and rushed inside. Medical staff said the toy, which was “filled with gelatinous material,” exploded when Caleb opened the microwave door, splattering the hot substance onto his face and hands.
Grubb tried rinsing the gel off in the shower, but it would not come off. She took Caleb to the emergency room, and he was later transferred to Loyola Medicine’s Burn Center. He was also evaluated by an ophthalmologist after suffering an eye injury that caused his eye to swell shut.
Doctors said Caleb’s vision was not affected, and he is now recovering at home. His mother told CBS News that he suffered second-degree burns on one side of his body and on his hands. He is expected to return to school later this week.
The NeeDoh Nice Cube is marketed as a sensory toy designed for squeezing and stretching. However, the manufacturer’s website includes a clear warning: “Do NOT heat, freeze, or microwave, may cause personal injury.”
Paula Petersen, APN, an advanced practice nurse at Loyola’s Burn Center, said Caleb was “very lucky he didn’t sustain greater injuries.” She warned that viral trends can be especially dangerous for children who may not fully understand the risks involved.
Hospital officials said Caleb is the fourth child treated at the facility for injuries connected to the same trend. Another case involved a child who microwaved the toy and burned her finger when it burst, according to CBS News.
McElligott told WGN9 that about 30% of patients treated at the burn center are children. She emphasized that many injuries come from everyday household items, urging parents to remain vigilant. She pointed to hazards such as hot food from microwaves, spilled ramen noodles, and young children pulling hot drinks like coffee off counters.
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