9-Year-Old Boy Left with Severe Burns on Face After Trying Dangerous Social Media Trend
Nine-year-old Caleb Chabolla was badly injured after trying a dangerous trend he had heard about on social media. His mother said he microwaved a NeeDoh Nice Cube, a popular squishy toy filled with gel, because he thought heating it would make it softer and easier to play with.
On the morning of January 20, Caleb was getting ready for school at home. While his mom, Whitney Grubb, was outside warming up the car, Caleb put the toy in the microwave. She later said she assumed he was just heating up his breakfast. Moments later, she heard a terrifying scream and immediately knew something was very wrong.
When Caleb opened the microwave, the toy exploded. The hot, gel-like substance burst out and hit his face and hands. The material was extremely hot and stuck to his skin, causing serious burns.
His mother tried to wash it off in the shower, but the pain and injuries were too severe. She rushed him to the emergency room, and doctors later transferred him to Loyola Medicine’s Burn Center for specialized care.
Caleb suffered second-degree burns on one side of his face and on his hands. One of his eyes swelled shut, and he needed to be seen by an eye specialist. Thankfully, his vision was not permanently damaged, and doctors say he is now recovering at home. He is expected to return to school soon.
Caleb’s mother explained that he learned about the idea from a friend who mentioned seeing it online. Neither of them realized how dangerous it could be. The toy’s manufacturer clearly warns on its website not to heat, freeze, or microwave the product because it can cause serious injury, but many children don’t read or understand those warnings.
Medical staff said Caleb was very lucky that his injuries were not worse. A nurse from the burn center explained that viral trends can be extremely dangerous, especially for kids who don’t fully understand the risks or long-term consequences.
Doctors at the hospital also shared that Caleb is not the only child hurt this way. Several other children have been treated for similar injuries after heating the same type of toy, including one child whose finger was badly burned when it went through the softened material.
Hospital staff emphasized that many burn injuries in children come from everyday household items. Hot food from the microwave, spilled noodles, and hot drinks pulled off counters are common causes. They urged parents to be extra careful about what children have access to at home and to talk openly with kids about online trends and why some of them can be very unsafe.
Caleb’s story is being shared as a warning to other families, in the hope that it will prevent similar accidents from happening again.
