Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday have officially ended, the holiday shopping season is in full swing. If you’re buying for children this year, you might want to do your research before grabbing a random toy from the store. Thousands of toys on the market could cause children serious injuries, while others have potentially life-threatening features.
To help parents and holiday shoppers choose safe products this year, World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) released their 10 Most Dangerous Toys list for 2019. Here are the products consumers should be avoiding and why:
1. Nerf Ultra One
This dangerous gun has a powerful force that shoots darts up to 120 feet away. Children can sustain serious harm to the eyes or battery-related injuries when misused. The darts can also become a choking hazard when left within reach of younger children.
2. Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog
The rigid plastic quills of this hedgehog detach from the back of the toy and can serve as a potential choking hazard.
3. Bunchems Bunch’N Build
These small plastic balls bond tightly together. They can easily become entangled in children’s hair or become a choking hazard for both kids and pets.
4. Stuffed Yeti
This toy’s long, fiber-like hairs come loose when pulled or chewed, posing an aspiration and ingestion injury risk to children.
5. Nickelodeon Frozen Treats Slime
This slime product contains chemicals that can make kids sick if eaten. The slime can also lead to ingestion and irritation injuries if children accidentally swallow it.
6. Anstoy Electronic Toy Gun
This toy gun is getting a lot of backlash for its realistic appearance in a time when schools are seeing an uptick in shootings.
7. Diecast School Bus
The small rubber wheels on this bus can be easily pulled off and become a choking hazard.
8. Pogo Trick Board
Kids who jump on this toy without a helmet or other protective gear put themselves at risk for broken bones and head injuries.
9. Power Rangers Electronic Cheetah Claw
The rigid plastic pieces on this toy can cause eye and facial injuries. Other impact injuries are also possible when children use extensive force.
10. Viga Pull-Along Caterpillar
This pull-along caterpillar features a pull cord long enough to pose a strangulation and entanglement risk.
Dangerous Toy Features To Watch For
Unfortunately, the regulation of toy manufacturers is not as robust as other consumer industries such as food and drugs. Thousands of dangerous toys make it into the homes of unsuspecting families every year, causing preventable injuries to children who are only looking to play.
Connecticut parents can help prevent harm to their kids this holiday by doing their research before they buy a toy. According to the Hartford Courant, the Connecticut Public Interest Research Group also released its 34th annual report on dangerous toys last week to keep parents informed on the many dangers certain popular toys can pose to children. In a press conference held at Connecticut Children’s, the consumer safety group reviewed their most recent “Trouble in Toyland” report highlighting several warning parents should be looking for before they purchase any presents this year. Some of the features to look for include:
- Choking hazard warnings.
- Loud sound effects.
- Hidden toxins (lead, boron, cadmium.)
- Data hacking smart toys.
- Kid makeup.
- Toys with small magnets.
- Toys that have been recalled.
- Products marketed towards adults that are in the kids’ aisles.
- “Hatching” toys.
- Balloons.
- Toy jewelry with toxic metal.
Parents may also want to check the toys that are already in their homes to help prevent injures this holiday. If one of your child’s toys is under recall or on a Most Dangerous Toy list this year when they have not been in the past, it may be a good idea to get rid of the product before it causes any harm.
Shop Safely CT
You don’t have to skip the toy aisle to avoid purchasing harmful toys. Using these helpful buying tips can allow you to find fun and safe products this weekend and avoid unnecessary injuries that could put a damper on your holiday spirit:
- Check For Recalls: Research any toy on your child’s list for current safety recalls before hitting the stores.
- Check The History: If the toys do not have current recalls, check to see if there are any news stories or articles on known injuries from these products.
- Buy Quality: Spending more money on quality toys as opposed to less money on cheaper toys could help prevent injuries due to poorly made products.
- Check Out The Box: While some boxes may be damaged simply from over-handling by shoppers, some damaged boxes could be a sign that the product may also be damaged or was returned due to defects.
- Follow Age Restrictions: Most age restrictions are put in place to protect younger kids from injuries. Don’t ignore these recommendations- they are there for a reason.
Stick to stores and websites you know. There will always be heartless scammers out there who are only out to make a quick buck. Toys purchased from these manufacturers may be knock-offs of popular items and made from cheap and harmful materials. If the deal seems too good to be true, you can bet it probably is.
Connecticut Accident Attorneys
The law firm of Jacobs & Wallace wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday shopping season! Keep an eye out for both savings and safety to help protect your kids from preventable toy-related injuries this year.
If you or a loved has been injured in an accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact our expert team of personal injury attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace today for a free consultation and to explore your options for Justice.
