ILLINOIS — An Illinois mother is warning other parents about a dangerous online trend after her 9-year-old son suffered multiple burn injuries when a sensory toy he microwaved for a TikTok-style experiment reportedly exploded, sending hot material onto his face and hands.
What Happened to 9-Year-Old Caleb Chabolla
Whitney Grubb told ABC News that her son, Caleb Chabolla, placed a sensory toy called a NeeDoh Nice Cube into a microwave and heated it for about 40 seconds. After he removed it, she said the toy exploded, causing injuries to his face and hands.
The TikTok Trend Involves Heating Sensory Toys
The warning centers on a social media trend where children attempt to change the texture of certain sensory or stress toys by warming them. While it may appear harmless in short videos, the toy can become dangerously hot or build internal pressure, increasing the risk of a sudden burst.
Doctors Confirmed Second-Degree Burns
Loyola Medicine confirmed to ABC News that Caleb was treated for second-degree burns involving his face, ear, and hands. Second-degree burns can be especially serious for children because they may blister, swell, and require follow-up treatment to reduce the risk of infection and long-term scarring.
Why This Can Happen When Items Are Microwaved
Even though the trend looks simple, microwaves can rapidly superheat materials or liquids inside certain toys. If the internal contents heat unevenly or expand under pressure, an object can rupture suddenly when removed or squeezed, sending hot gel-like contents outward.
What Parents Can Do Right Now
Parents are being urged to treat this as more than a prank trend and take steps immediately, including:
- Talk directly with kids about why microwaving toys is dangerous
- Monitor TikTok and “challenge” content that encourages heating, freezing, or altering objects
- Keep microwaves supervised around younger children
- If a child is burned, cool the area with running water and seek medical guidance quickly if blistering occurs
The Mother’s Warning as the Story Spreads
Grubb’s goal in speaking publicly is to stop other families from going through the same situation. As the story circulates online, it’s becoming another reminder that “viral” doesn’t mean safe—especially when kids copy what they see without understanding the risks.
If you’re a parent and you’ve seen similar trends circulating at school or online, what are you doing to keep your kids safe from copycat dares? Share your thoughts and experiences, and follow more safety updates at WingsPNW.com.
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