A Missouri family is sharing their daughter’s heartbreaking story to warn other parents about the dangers of attempting viral social media trends involving children’s toys.
What began as a simple experiment inspired by videos online quickly turned into a terrifying medical emergency that left 7-year-old Scarlett Selby with serious burn injuries and lasting emotional scars.
A Viral Trend Turns Dangerous
Like many children her age, Scarlett enjoyed playing with her NeeDoh squishy toy, a soft stress-relief cube designed for squeezing and stretching.
After watching videos online showing people freezing and heating similar toys to change their texture, Scarlett decided to try the experiment herself.
The toy had reportedly been placed in the freezer overnight. The following day, she briefly heated it in a microwave after noticing it had become hard from freezing.
Although the product packaging includes warnings advising users not to freeze, heat, or microwave the toy, many social media users had been sharing videos of themselves doing exactly that.
Unfortunately, Scarlett’s attempt ended in disaster.
A Split-Second Accident
According to her father, Josh Selby, the incident happened almost instantly.
After removing the toy from the microwave, Scarlett checked whether it was too hot. Moments later, the toy suddenly burst open.
Instead of simply splitting apart, it released a stream of extremely hot gel-like material that splashed onto the child’s face, chest, and clothing.
Her father recalls hearing a scream unlike anything he had ever heard before.
The substance clung to Scarlett’s skin and clothing, making it difficult to remove quickly.
As he rushed to help, Selby said the material was thick, sticky, and continued to adhere to both his daughter’s skin and his own hands as he tried to pull it away.
A Race to the Hospital
Scarlett’s parents immediately transported her to a children’s hospital, a drive that felt endless as she remained in severe pain throughout the journey.
Medical teams quickly began treating her burns upon arrival.
Because of the extent of her injuries, doctors placed Scarlett in a medically induced coma for several days while stabilizing her condition and managing her pain.
The burns around her mouth were particularly serious, requiring additional medical support during her recovery.
After spending approximately a week in the hospital, Scarlett was finally able to return home.
However, her healing journey was far from over.
Lasting Physical and Emotional Scars
Months after the accident, Scarlett continues to recover.
While doctors initially determined that skin graft surgery was not immediately necessary, her family remains concerned about the severity of the scarring.
The emotional impact has also been significant.
According to her mother, Amanda Blankenship, Scarlett has become increasingly self-conscious about her appearance.
Simple moments, such as looking at herself in the mirror or answering questions from classmates, can be emotionally difficult.
Her parents work constantly to reassure her that she has nothing to be ashamed of and that the scars are the result of an accident she bravely survived.
Even so, the experience has left a lasting mark on the young girl.
A Father’s Warning to Other Families
Since the incident, Scarlett’s father has spoken publicly in hopes of preventing similar accidents.
He says he never imagined a toy could become so dangerous simply by being heated after freezing.
The experience has completely changed how he views viral online challenges and household safety.
His message to other parents is straightforward: carefully follow manufacturer safety instructions and be cautious about trends circulating on social media, especially those involving children.
What may appear harmless in a short online video can have serious consequences when attempted at home.
Social Media and Safety Concerns
The accident has renewed discussions about the influence of online challenges and the importance of product safety awareness.
Many platforms prohibit content that encourages dangerous behavior, particularly activities that could result in physical harm. Following reports of injuries, videos related to heating or modifying squishy toys have reportedly been removed from some platforms.
Safety experts continue to encourage parents to monitor online content viewed by children and to discuss the potential risks associated with copying internet trends.
A Story That Serves as a Warning
Scarlett’s ordeal is a painful reminder that even everyday toys can become hazardous when used in ways not intended by manufacturers.
Her family’s decision to speak publicly is not only about sharing their experience but also about helping other families avoid similar tragedies.
As Scarlett continues her recovery, her parents hope that increased awareness will encourage children and adults alike to think twice before attempting viral experiments that could turn dangerous in an instant.
Their message is simple: no online trend is worth risking a child’s safety.
