The use of a popular children's toy, the Needoh Nice Cube, has resulted in at least four minors being hospitalized in the United States during January, after attempting to heat it in the microwave following a viral TikTok challenge.

The most serious incident involved Caleb, a 9-year-old boy from Plainfield, who suffered severe burns burns and significant swelling around one of his eyes, according to According to Univision.

His mother, Whitney Grubb, recounted that upon discovering Caleb had put the toy in the microwave, “He was screaming in pain because his skin was burning. I couldn't handle the situation and immediately took him to the emergency room.”

The toy, designed to relieve stress by squeezing it, has gone viral, but the risks increase when it is heated.

Experts warn that materials like those in the Needoh Nice Cube can melt, expand, or even explode when exposed to heat, causing serious injuries. Caleb recounted from the hospital that he was unaware of the risks. "I didn't know it was a TikTok challenge. A friend had done it before and it wasn't hurt. I put it in the microwave for a minute and took it out early, but I wouldn't do it again," he said. Burn specialists at Loyola Center emphasized that the child was lucky not to suffer permanent damage. For his part, psychotherapist Mario Castelo emphasized the importance of adult supervision. “Parents can't control everything, but the most valuable advice comes from Caleb, who doesn't want other children to suffer by following these kinds of trends,” the Hispanic network reported. In recent days, three other similar cases have been reported in the United States, all associated with the beginning of 2026, in which children suffered burns after attempting to replicate the viral challenge. Authorities and experts insist that no toy should be heated in a microwave and that parents should supervise children's use of devices and digital platforms. A UNICEF report emphasizes that technology must be part of adult guidance: "For a child to have healthy habits, sleep routines, eating habits, and education, they need an adult to provide direction. Technology also requires guidance and constant monitoring.” For now, Caleb is stable after receiving medical treatment and continues his recovery, while authorities warn about the dangers of viral challenges on social media and urge parents to actively monitor their children's use of TikTok and other platforms.