business
Don’t leave squishy toys in hot cars. Here’s why
By Debra Worley at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
(Gray News/WXIX) – Squishy toys are all the rage right now, but there are serious concerns about leaving them in the heat.Squishy toys, which can be made from soft plastics, rubber, silicone, or other materials, have surged in popularity, driven in part by viral TikTok videos.One store representa...
Key takeaway One store representative said they receive between 10 and 12 phone calls a day asking about the toys, a volume that has continued for three to four months.
Why this matters in The Nashville
As Nashville residents flock to local toy stores to get their hands on the latest squishy toy trends, they should be aware of the potential dangers of leaving these items in hot cars. With the city's sweltering summer temperatures, the risk of these toys exploding and causing burns is very real. Local parents and caregivers should take heed of the warnings from other parts of the country, where children and teens have already suffered injuries from exploding squishy toys. Nashville's own summer heatwaves make it a prime location for such accidents to occur. It's crucial for local stores to educate customers on the safe handling and storage of these popular toys, and for parents to be mindful of the risks associated with leaving them in hot cars. By taking these precautions, Nashville can help prevent similar incidents from happening in its own community.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News/WXIX) – Squishy toys are all the rage right now, but there are serious concerns about leaving them in the heat.Squishy toys, which can be made from soft plastics, rubber, silicone, or other materials, have surged in popularity, driven in part by viral TikTok videos.One store representa...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Worley at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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