Parents, Be Warned: TSA Is Confiscating This Popular Kids' Toy From Carry-On Luggage

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Any parent can tell you that flying with kids has its challenges. Keeping them comfortable and entertained for hours on end is no easy feat. Now imagine packing your child's treasured toys in their carry-on to smooth out the flight, only for TSA to confiscate them. Unfortunately, some parents have faced this scenario while traveling because of NeeDoh. This product, with a catchy name, is a viral squishy sensory toy that comes in a variety of vivid colors and figures, ranging from cats to gummy bears.

Aesthetics aside, the toys are made with liquid gel, making them incredibly squishy. However, most NeeDohs are filled with 3.4 ounces of liquid or more, which means that placing it in a carry-on is off-limits. In short, the item breaks TSA's Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule. NeeDohs are not just something to play with. For many, kids and adults alike, it's an anxiety-reducing tool, further fueling its popularity.

Similar to how some stuffed animals can be confiscated at security, NeeDohs have had mixed results with TSA agents. On Reddit, one parent says that TSA took the NeeDoh and "tossed it in the trash can in front of my daughter. She was so devastated and cried." Another explains, "I told TSA my daughter had squishy toys in her backpack, the guy squished them a few times and let us go." However, the user adds, "The family next to us didn't say anything, TSA found the squishies and started cutting them open."

Originally created in 2017, NeeDoh is arguably the "it" toy of the year, created by Schylling (the company behind iconic brands like Littlest Pet Shop and recreations of Hasbro's My Little Pony). TikTok is full of videos of users showcasing and rating their NeeDoh collection. In fact, the social media platform is partly responsible for the toy's rise to prominence. Just how popular are NeeDohs, you might be asking? According to an article published by The Atlantic in April 2026, one store in Florida sold out within an hour of restocking. Likewise, NeeDohs routinely sell out on Amazon and other big-box retailers. Schylling's own website is sold out, with the company revealing that they do not have a restock date.

It goes without saying that it can be a major blow for kids and their parents if their NeeDohs are confiscated by TSA. However, this doesn't mean they have to travel without their beloved toys: "Checking bags can be a pain but put them in a box and you know for sure that they won't be pulled!" states a Reddit user. Plus, you can always ship them to where you're going.

These rules don't just apply to U.S. airports. For example, London Luton Airport (known as one of the worst in the U.K.) specifically states on its website that NeeDohs are prohibited from carry-on luggage. Flying with children requires thoughtful preparation, so as an alternative, consider purchasing a putty ball for your kids to enjoy on their flight, as this sensory toy is allowed in carry-on bags, per the TSA.