Toys go in and out of fashion quick as can be these days, but one occupational therapist has revealed why one viral toy is actually worth picking up.
Unfortunately, thanks to social media, toys go viral, our kids see them, beg for them, get them and discard them when the next thing inevitably comes along – where have all the Labubus gone?!
It’s a frustrating part of parenting, and it seems so wasteful when we are spending money on these things for our children that end up going in the bin down the line.
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What is the viral toy?
The latest viral toy are NeeDohs, a squishy toy that is currently sold out everywhere and if you have a tween or teen at home, then chances are you have heard of them.
They are essentially a squishy toy that can be used as a stress item or for sensory purposes. They can be stretched and squeezed and are very satisfying and addictive to play with. They contain ‘non-toxic, dough-like compounds’ according to ABC, and there are over 50 different varieties to choose from.
They have actually been around since 2017, but thanks to TikTok, they have recently gone viral and demand for the squishies has skyrocketed. In fact, they are currently sold out in many stores, with parents taking to social media to ask others where exactly they can get them for their kids.
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Why an occupational therapist recommends NeeDohs
However, when it comes to viral sensations, NeeDohs may be one that you want to hop on board with because an occupational therapist has shared that they are actually beneficial.
Taking to Instagram, Blair Herring, mum of three and occupational therapist, revealed that she and fellow pediatric OT, Jess have been loving the viral toy and it’s completely worth the hype.
‘The NeeDoh craze? We actually get it,’ she said in the post’
‘As two OT, we love seeing something like this go viral — not because it’s a “must-have” product, but because it shows how much our bodies are craving simple, sensory input.’
Explaining exactly what NeeDohs do for your child, Blair continued: ‘That slow, squishy, repetitive feeling? It’s predictable. It’s grounding. It helps the nervous system settle.
‘And right now… so many kids (and honestly, moms too) are moving less, sitting more, and holding a lot in their bodies. So when something feels good and helps release that tension… it catches on fast.’
But if you are worried because the toys are sold out and you think that your child would benefit from them, don’t worry because it’s not the brand that of benefit, it’s the feeling.
‘There are so many ways to offer that same kind of input – and it doesn’t have to be complicated,’ Blair said.
These include:
- Playdoh
- Putty
- Stress balls
- Squeezy bottles
- Even squeezing a washcloth
Are your kids obsessed with these?
