Is it safe to let kids play with silicone-filled squishy toys?
Use caution. Soft squishy toys can release VOCs, especially when they smell strong after opening.
What is in it
Many squishy toys do not clearly list their material. Some are foam, gel, PVC, TPR, polyurethane, or other soft plastics. A strong sweet or solvent smell is a warning sign.
Young kids hold these toys close to the face. Toddlers also chew. That makes material choice matter more than it does for an adult stress toy.
What the research says
A 2026 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety study tested VOC emissions from 9 tactile toys. Total VOC emissions varied widely. Sticky and sweet-scented products showed clear emission patterns. The study also detected hazardous residues, including dimethylformamide and methylene chloride, at levels that exceeded EPA reference values in screening comparisons.
For babies and toddlers, choose toys with clear materials: solid wood, organic cotton, stainless steel, or food-grade silicone teethers from known brands. Skip mystery squishies from checkout bins. If a toy smells strong after a few days out of the package, do not give it to a young child.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative evaluation of hazardous VOC emissions from tactile toys and investigation of emission drivers. | Ecotoxicol Environ Saf | 2026 |