My daughter's squishy toy burst on her legs. We ended up in the emergency room.
A mother is warning parents about the dangers of 'squishy' toys after one exploded in her hot car, causing burns to her daughter's legs. The incident highlights how extreme heat can cause the materials in these toys to melt and become hazardous.
Why it matters
It raises awareness about potential safety hazards of common children's toys when exposed to high temperatures in vehicles.
Kim Staggs' daughter, Natalee, comforted by her grandma, suffered burns after a squishy exploded in the family's hot car. Courtesy of Kim Staggs Kimmie Staggs was horrified when a squishy exploded in her car and burned her daughter. The mom rushed the girl to the ER, where the melted substance was removed from the girl's legs. Staggs is now warning other parents about the risk of heat turning squishies into harmful objects. This story is based on an interview with Kimmie Staggs, 34, a stay-at-home mom of three from Dunbarton, West Virginia. It has been edited for length and clarity. June 23, 2026, felt like any other day, with me rushing around, driving my kids from one place to another. I'm a stay-at-home mom with three girls: Natalee, 13; Chrislyn, 12; and Sophia, 2. Life is extremely busy with a teen, a tween, and a toddler.
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