Kids are collectors by nature, and all kids love trends. The latest trend in the world of toys comes from Japan. We get many questions about Squishies, so we decided to finally answer them all.

What are Squishies?

Squishies are spongy “bread-like” toys that come in various shapes. Sometimes they are cartoon characters, a type of food, or a combination of both. Think of them as the newest version of a stress ball, but cuter and softer. Furthermore, they smell great, usually like bread or cake. Some people like to attach them to their phone or bag.

Why do kids love Squishies?

First of all, they are indeed cute. Secondly, kids love to “squish” things and be tactile with their toys. Plus, since they smell great, kids can’t resist them.

Where did the trend come from?

Like many similar trends from the past, this one comes from Japan too.

Besides being very cute, squishy toys are extremely popular because they are safe for children. Parents can finally stop worrying and let their children play.

Made from non-toxic materials, Squishies are 100% safe for kids. Moreover, kids cannot choke on them.

How to buy a safe squishy toy?

All kids love toys and they have a lot of fun with them. However, parents need to be careful and choose only the safest one for their kids. Thousands of kids get injured every year because of toys which aren’t safe for them.

If you want to learn what to pay attention to when buying toys, keep reading.

Scratches, minor cuts, and bruises are the most common injuries from toys. However, from time to time, more serious ones happen. Such injuries, or even death, occur when kids use dangerous toys or when they use them improperly.

Pay attention to the following things when you choose toys for your kids:

Read the label.

Labels give important information, directions, and warnings about toys. Still, most people overlook them. Always read the label and teach your child how to use the toy properly.

Go bigger.

Consider buying squishier and bigger toys. When all pieces are bigger than your child’s mouth, choking shouldn’t be a concern.

Avoid object-shooting toys.

Toys which shoot pieces into the air can choke your kids or cause serious eye injuries.

Avoid noisy toys.

Some toys are too noisy and can harm your child’s hearing.

Look for quality.

When you are buying a toy, see if all parts are well-bonded, and edges and seams secured. Also, you should be able to wash them in the machine. If there are any loose strings, remove them. Toys with small balls can be a choking hazard, so avoid those too.

Buy hard plastic.

Toys of thin plastic break easily under pressure. To avoid any cuts, opt for toys made of tough plastic.

Say no to toxic materials.

Toxic materials can cause poisoning. Always check if the label says “non-toxic” before you buy a toy.

No chemicals.

Children under 12 shouldn’t play with toys that can cause a fire or contain chemicals. If your child is older than 12, make sure that they know how to use the toy properly.

Final Thoughts

If you worry about safety and you have a young kid, consider buying Windsor Smith toys – they are the best choice for small kids. All squishy toys you buy from them are safe to use.