A Comprehensive Guide to the Foam, Fillings, and Safety of Taba Squishy Toys
Taba Squishies have quickly risen to the top of the sensory toy world, beloved by children, teens, and even adults for their cute designs, calming squishability, and stress-relieving benefits. With their soft, slow-rising textures and lovable characters like Joke Bear Chef and Cute Penguin Taba, they’re more than just toys — they’re companions, desk buddies, and tools for emotional regulation. But one question continues to spark curiosity: What materials are used inside Taba Squishies?
Understanding what goes into a Taba Squishy isn’t just for fun. It’s essential for parents concerned about safety, educators seeking suitable sensory tools, and collectors who want high-quality, long-lasting products. In this in-depth article, we’ll break down the composition of Taba Squishies, explore the materials used both inside and outside, and explain why their foam matters just as much as their faces.
The Outer Shell vs. the Inner Material: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into specifics, let’s clarify the structure of a typical squishy toy like Taba Squishies. These toys are usually composed of two key components:
- Outer Coating or Skin: The painted or pigmented surface that gives the squishy its character, color, and design.
- Inner Foam Core: The dense, soft material that provides the slow-rising, squeezable effect.
In high-quality squishies like those from Taba, the core and coating are both made from specialized polyurethane foam, but with different chemical properties for each part.
Let’s look at both in detail.
What Is the Foam Inside a Taba Squishy Made Of?
✅ Polyurethane (PU) Memory Foam
The core material of Taba Squishies is polyurethane (PU) memory foam — a highly flexible and resilient foam widely used in both toys and ergonomic products like pillows and mattresses.
PU foam is ideal for squishies because it:
- Compresses easily and recovers slowly, giving the signature “slow-rise” effect
- Has a soft and safe texture, suitable for children and sensitive hands
- Is lightweight yet dense, making it easy to hold without feeling flimsy
- Retains shape over time with proper care
Taba uses a high-density version of PU foam, which means it contains more foam cells per cubic inch. This leads to a more satisfying squeeze, a slower rise, and greater durability compared to cheaper, fast-rising alternatives.
Why PU Foam? The Benefits
Not all foams are created equal. Many generic squishies use low-grade PU or even rubbery fillers that are either too firm or collapse over time. Taba’s choice of premium PU foam offers several benefits:
Feature Benefit for Users Slow-rising action Enhances relaxation and stress relief Soft texture Safe for children and comfortable for adults Lightweight build Ideal for small hands, pockets, or bags Durable composition Withstands repeated squeezing without deforming Non-toxic formulation Safe for skin contact and indoor use
It’s this thoughtful material choice that makes Taba Squishies both a fidget toy and a collectible.
What About the Surface Paint and Finish?
While the inside of a Taba Squishy provides the function, the outer skin is what gives it personality.
Taba uses flexible PU-based paint that:
- Moves with the foam (won’t flake or crack easily)
- Holds vibrant colors and cute facial details
- Is free from lead, phthalates, and heavy metals
- Is sometimes lightly scented for sensory enhancement
The finish is usually matte or semi-gloss, depending on the character and style. While the paint is safe, it’s still important to follow care instructions (no soaking or scrubbing) to prevent fading over time.
Are There Fillings Inside Taba Squishies?
No. Taba Squishies are made entirely of foam from core to surface — there is no liquid gel, beads, air pockets, or fabric stuffing inside. This design is intentional and beneficial:
- Eliminates choking hazards from loose beads or foam balls
- Increases durability (no leakage or puncture risk)
- Supports consistent squeeze feedback across the entire toy
- Reduces risk of mess or mold (since it’s one solid material)
Some imitation squishies on the market contain a plastic balloon-like bladder or microbeads inside, which can rupture. Taba avoids this by using a single-piece PU foam core — meaning the squish is safe, clean, and consistent from every angle.
Is Taba Squishy Material Safe for Kids?
Yes — Taba Squishies are made with child-safe, non-toxic materials that meet international toy safety standards.
Safety Highlights:
- CPSIA Compliant (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in the U.S.)
- ASTM F963 Certified (U.S. toy safety)
- EN71 Certified (European toy safety)
- No BPA, phthalates, or PVC
- Paint and foam are skin-safe and odor-controlled
That said, like all foam-based toys, squishies are not intended for chewing or biting, especially for children under 3. While the materials are non-toxic, they are not edible.
Do Taba Squishies Contain Latex?
No. Taba Squishies do not contain natural rubber latex, making them safe for people with latex allergies or sensitivities.
Latex is sometimes found in rubber-based stress toys or cheap foam products. Taba’s use of synthetic PU foam ensures a hypoallergenic experience for most users.
Environmental Considerations
While PU foam is not biodegradable, many Taba Squishies are built to last, encouraging reuse over disposal. To increase their longevity:
- Keep them away from heat or sunlight
- Store in dry, cool environments
- Clean gently with a damp cloth
- Avoid over-compressing or twisting
Sustainability in the squishy world begins with quality over quantity — and Taba’s durable materials support that goal.
What Does the Squishy Feel Like?
The texture of a Taba Squishy is best described as:
- Marshmallow-soft on first squeeze
- Silky-smooth on the surface
- Slow and satisfying as it rises
- Comfortable for fidgeting or squeezing in repetitive motion
This is largely due to the careful balance of foam density and elasticity engineered into each toy.
Why the Material Matters
The material composition of a squishy affects:
- How satisfying it is to squeeze
- How long it lasts
- How safe it is for users
- Whether it provides real stress relief
Taba’s commitment to premium PU foam, safe coatings, and solid single-material design means you get a toy that’s both fun and functional, not just cute.
Compare Taba Materials vs. Low-Quality Alternatives
Feature Taba Squishies Low-Quality Squishies Foam Type Premium slow-rise PU foam Cheap, fast-rise PU or rubber Fillings None (solid foam) Gel, beads, or air bladders Surface Paint Non-toxic, flexible paint May contain heavy metals Durability Long-lasting Prone to cracking or tearing Safety Certifications CPSIA, ASTM, EN71 Often none
FAQs: Taba Squishy Materials
1. What happens if a Taba Squishy tears?
If a Taba Squishy is torn or ripped, it will expose the inner foam, which is still non-toxic but should not be ingested. For safety and hygiene, it’s best to discard any squishy that is damaged beyond surface wear.
2. Can the foam inside Taba Squishies cause allergies?
Taba Squishies are made from hypoallergenic PU foam and do not contain latex or common allergens. However, those with extreme chemical sensitivities should allow new squishies to air out for 24 hours before use.
3. Is the foam inside biodegradable?
PU foam is not biodegradable. However, Taba Squishies are made to be long-lasting, encouraging reuse and reducing short-term waste compared to flimsy alternatives.
Final Thoughts: Taba Squishies Are Built with Quality from the Inside Out
When you pick up a Taba Squishy, you’re not just holding a cute character — you’re holding a product designed with purpose. From its high-density PU foam core to its flexible, non-toxic surface, every material is chosen for safety, comfort, and squish satisfaction. Whether you’re buying for a child, a classroom, or your own desk, you can feel confident in both the construction and composition.
? Explore all the adorable, safe, and squish-worthy characters in the Taba Squishy collection and feel the difference premium materials make.
And if you’re ready to experience the best in squishy comfort, discover your next favorite at Moonkatt.com — where character meets quality, and every squeeze counts.
