Parenting hack: How to make homemade slime for kids

The do-it-yourself trend has surged in popularity. Get a borax-free recipe.

ByABC News
April 6, 2017, 8:12 AM

— -- Homemade slime is one of spring's hottest crafting projects.

The do-it-yourself trend has surged in popularity this year as more parents and kids are sharing posts of their slime creations on social media.

"It is a super fun science experiment! First off, you are making something out of scratch that kids can get involved in and when you start adding fun stuff it becomes a fun sensory thing," Nicole Farb, a crafting guru and spokesperson for the arts supply chain Michaels, told "Good Morning America." "It is kind of gross and gooey and sticky and all kids love that!"

But questions about safety have come along with the homemade slime trend. In March, a fifth-grader suffered severe burns after making with homemade slime with an ingredient called borax, which is a common household cleaner. Her mother, Siobhan Quinn, told ABC News that her 11-year-old daughter, Kathleen, endured second- and third-degree burns on her hands, and doctors who treated her daughter said the injuries were likely the result of prolonged exposure to borax in the slime.

As a safe alternative, Farb recommends using a recipe for slime that does not include borax.

The DIY guru also suggests making slime for Easter baskets and personalizing the gooey creations with fun mix-ins like sequins, googly eyes and more.

"Pick whatever speaks to you or the person you are giving the gift to," she said.

Get the recipe for the homemade slime seen on "GMA" below. Michaels is a sponsor of "Good Morning America."

1/2 tbsp of Baking Soda

1 tbsp of Contact lens solution

4 fl oz Elmers White school glue

Your choice of food coloring

1. Find a bowl, cup, or plate to mix your slime in.

2. Pour out the entire contents of a 4 oz of school glue into the bowl.

3. Add 1/2 tbsp of baking soda and mix.

4. After mixing, add your choice of food coloring.

5. Mix and/or add more food coloring until you get the color you want.

6. Add 1 tbsp of contact lens solution.

7. Mix until slime forms and it begins to get harder to mix.

8. Take the slime out and begin kneading with both of your hands.

9. If needed, add 1/4 tbsp contact lens solution to make the slime less sticky.

Adult supervision is required; This project is not appropriate for children under the age of 3 years. Warning: If large quantities of contact solution are accidentally ingested (greater than a tablespoon), get medical attention immediately.

ABC News' Karma Allen contributed to this report.