A seemingly harmless TikTok trend took a tragic turn when a young girl suffered severe burns after microwaving her squishy toy, a popular stress-reliever called NeeDoh. What began as an innocent attempt to alter the texture of her toy turned into a nightmare for seven-year-old Scarlett Selby, from Missouri, leaving her with deep physical and emotional scars.
Scarlett had been following a viral trend on social media where people experimented with squishy toys by freezing or microwaving them to change their consistency. Despite a clear warning on the toy’s packaging stating that heating or freezing could cause injury, Scarlett placed her NeeDoh squishy in the freezer overnight and then microwaved it the next day in hopes of achieving the same results she had seen online.
Her father, Josh Selby, was nearby when Scarlett placed the squishy toy into the microwave. As she took it out, he watched her touch it to check if it was too hot. But within moments, the toy exploded in a horrifying eruption of molten goo, causing severe burns to Scarlett’s chest, mouth, and chin. The substance was described as thick and sticky, making it nearly impossible to remove from her skin. Scarlett’s scream was so intense and agonizing that it sent her father into a panic, and he quickly attempted to wipe the goo off her body and clothes.
The intense heat from the explosion left Scarlett with severe burns, and her father had to tear her shirt off because it had adhered to her skin. In that terrifying moment, he realized that what was supposed to be a fun, playful experiment had turned into a life-altering incident. Scarlett was rushed to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where she was placed in an induced coma for three days to stabilize her condition.
Scarlett spent a week in the hospital, but her journey toward recovery was far from over. While her physical injuries were difficult to heal, the emotional scars were just as significant. Scarlett’s mother, Amanda Blakenship, shared how her daughter had become increasingly self-conscious about the deep scars left on her body. Scarlett would often look at herself in the mirror, tears running down her face, trying to hide her scars with her shirt. At school, other children would ask her about the burns, making her feel more self-conscious about her appearance.
The incident has had a lasting impact on the Selby family, and they now advocate for other parents to dispose of their squishy toys. “I never imagined something could explode outside of the microwave like that,” Josh Selby remarked. “Experiencing this with my daughter has been the most challenging ordeal I’ve faced.” He has since warned others that the substance inside the toy is like hot glue, which can explode and cause severe harm when it contacts skin.
As a result of the dangerous challenge, TikTok has removed several clips promoting the NeeDoh microwave experiment. The social media platform states that it prohibits content that displays dangerous activities or challenges that could cause physical harm.
While Scarlett’s family is grateful for her recovery, they are still grappling with the emotional and physical consequences of the accident. It’s a tragic reminder of the risks involved in following viral trends without fully understanding the potential dangers. Parents are urged to be aware of the risks associated with these toys and to heed the safety warnings provided by manufacturers.
The incident with Scarlett highlights the need for more responsible behavior, both from those participating in viral challenges and from the platforms that promote them. In the case of the NeeDoh squishy toy, it’s crucial for children and parents alike to understand the risks of altering the toy’s structure through microwaving or freezing, especially when the product itself carries a clear warning against such actions.
Let this be a cautionary tale for anyone considering participating in potentially dangerous trends, as some challenges—no matter how innocent they may seem—can have life-altering consequences.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.
