Mother Alerts Parents to Dangerous TikTok Trend After Son Suffers Severe Burns
A mother from Plainfield is raising awareness about a concerning TikTok trend that has led to dangerous incidents involving a popular sensory toy. Her nine-year-old son recently suffered severe burns after attempting to microwave a Needoh cube, a flexible toy filled with a gelatinous substance. This incident has prompted health officials to issue warnings for parents and children alike.
Incident Overview
The mother, Whitney Grubb, described the horrifying experience when her son, Caleb Chabolla, placed a Needoh cube in the microwave. According to Grubb, the toy exploded upon heating, leading to second-degree burns on Caleb’s face and hands.
Burn Treatment and Hospital Stay
After hearing her son scream, Grubb quickly took him to Loyola Medicine’s burn center. By the time they arrived, Caleb’s eye was completely swollen shut. Medical staff treated his burns by washing the affected area, removing dead skin, and applying ointment. Fortunately, an ophthalmologist confirmed that Caleb’s vision remained intact.
Dangers of the TikTok Trend
The trend encourages children to heat Needoh cubes in the microwave to make them softer. However, health professionals warn that this practice can lead to serious burns. Kelly McElligott from Loyola Medicine highlighted that the thick, hot substance sticks to the skin, increasing the severity of the burns.
- Four patients treated at Loyola Medicine in recent months for similar burns
- Caleb spent two days in the hospital but did not require skin grafts
- Potential for scarring remains
Advice for Parents
Both Grubb and McElligott emphasize the importance of discussing safety with children. Parents should explicitly instruct kids not to heat sensory toys in any manner, including microwaves or hot water. Warning labels on the Needoh product clearly advise against heating, although not all users may heed this guidance.
Next Steps for Caleb
Caleb is scheduled for a follow-up appointment at the burn clinic and is expected to return to school later this week. The incident serves as a stark reminder for families about the potential dangers of popular social media trends and toy usage.
