As the holiday season kicks into full gear, parents and gift-givers are urged to exercise caution when selecting toys for children. The World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) has recently revealed its "10 Worst Toys of 2023" list.aimed at guiding consumers away from potentially hazardous toys that could lead to severe injuries or, in some cases, prove fatal. The full list can be found on W.A.T.C.H.'s website: https://toysafety.org/
W.A.T.C.H. :: World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about dangerous children’s products and protecting children from harm. W.A.T.C.H. informs the public about the dangers present in many toys, children’s products, and recreational activities. Working towards making the world a safer place for children by preventing unnecessary injuries and deaths.
HERE ARE THE TOP 10 TOYS TO AVOID:
Disney The Little Mermaid King Triton’s All-Powerful Trident:
- Warning: Potential For Blunt Force and Eye Injuries
- Designed for children as young as three, this toy includes a rigid, pointed plastic trident standing at 3 feet, posing a serious risk of blunt force and eye injuries.
Original Squishmallows-Raisy:
- Warning: Potential for suffocation
- Marketed as suitable for infants (age recommendation: "0+"), this plush, pillow-like toy lacks warnings about potential suffocation hazards, raising serious concerns for the safety of infants.
Socker Boppers:
- Warning: Potential For Blunt Force and Impact Injuries
- Encouraging play involving inflatable "boppers" for children aged 5 and up, this toy lacks adequate warnings, increasing the likelihood of blunt force and impact injuries during play.
Diecast Fast-Food Truck:
- Warning: Potential For Choking Injuries
- With small detachable parts and an age recommendation of "3+," this toy presents a significant choking hazard, especially for oral-age children who may come into contact with the small components
Our Generation Hop In Dog Carrier:
- Warning: Potential For Choking Injuries
- Featuring a plush pup and small plastic accessories, this toy, recommended for ages "3+," poses a potential risk of choking injuries, with limited warning information provided.
Orbeez Seeds-Rainbow:
- Warning: Potential For Choking and Ingestion Injuries
- Highlighting the potential for choking and ingestion injuries, this toy demands vigilant supervision due to its small, colorful seeds that pose an imminent risk during play.
Splat-R-Ball Dude Perfect Blaster:
- Warning: Potential For Eye Injuries
- Recommended for ages 14 and older, this toy's high-speed projectile firing mechanism presents a severe hazard, emphasizing the need for adult supervision to prevent eye injuries.
B Toys Make A Melody Musical Instrument Set:
- Warning: Potential Ingestion and Choking Injuries
- Marketed as an introduction to music for little ones, this set includes a slender, wooden drumstick with a 6 ¾-inch handle, posing a potential risk for ingestion and choking injuries.
Zoom-O Turbo Disc Launcher:
- Warning: Potential For Face and Eye Injuries
- Marketed for 5-year-olds, this toy launches rigid plastic discs at distances of "up to 100 ft.," despite cautions, raising concerns about face and eye injuries during play.
Carve Pro Stunt Scooter:
- Warning: Potential For Head and Other Impact Injuries
- Designed for children as young as six, this two-wheeled scooter carries a substantial risk of head and other impact injuries, despite manufacturer warnings about stunt activities.
As you plan your holiday shopping journey, take heed of these warnings to ensure that the toys you select are safe. Always read and follow age recommendations, warnings, and usage instructions to make smart purchases for a joyful and safe holiday season for all!
