Every year for over four decades, child safety group World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) publishes a list of the top ten most hazardous toys. According to the President of W.A.T.C.H., national toy safety standards are inadequate, as evidenced by the large number of toys that are recalled every year.
The top ten most dangerous toys this year, according to W.A.T.C.H., are:
- Fidget Spinners – These are arguably the most popular toy of the year. The quality of fidget spinners may vary depending on where it is manufactured and purchased. Some of the lower quality toys may pose a choking hazard as small parts can detach from the spinner. Some fidget spinners that contain batteries have even been known to catch fire.
- Hallmark “Itty Bittys” Baby Stacking Toy – This toy, sold by major online retailers, was recalled in August of 2017 due to small fabric parts that can detach, posing a choking hazard. The toy is a soft, plush Disney-themed stacking toy with four rattles.
- Tolo Pull Along Pony – This toy has a 19-inch cord, which could put children and pets at risk of strangulation. Industry standard provides that strings on all crib toys should be no longer than 12 inches long.
- Wonder Woman Battle-Action Sword – This toy has the potential for causing blunt force trauma. Children are encouraged to use it to fight each other in “battle” with it, and it has a hard plastic sword blade.
- Spider-Man Spider-Drone Official Movie Edition – This toy comes with a drone equipped with rotating blades. The product warns that users should keep the spinning rotor away from “fingers, hair, eyes, and other body parts.”
- Nerf Zombie Strike Deadbolt Crossbow – This toy is sold by most of the major online retailers, and has the potential to cause eye injuries. The force of the arrow shooting out of the pressurized lever can cause eye and facial injuries.
- Slackers Slackline Classic Series Kit – This toy poses a dual risk of strangulation and fall related injuries, and “even death” according to the packaging. It is a tightrope-like device intended to stretch between two trees for children to walk across. It is marketed as an “all ages” toy.
- Oval Xylophone – This toy is intended for babies as young as 12 months, but has small parts that could be ingested by small children. The drumstick handle is small enough to block a child’s airway, thus creating a choking hazard.
- Jetts Heel Wheels – This toy is marketed to be used at one’s own risk, and expressly warns that it can cause severe injury or even death. These are to be strapped on to the rear of a child’s shoes so that they become like a roller skate. Additionally, they are intended to make real fire sparks, which the package insert acknowledges can cause burns.
- Melissa & Doug Brianna Babydoll – This toy has removable clothing, and small pink ponytail holders that children can swallow or potentially choke on.
Media Personal Injury Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Represent Families of Children Injured by Defective Toys
We should all be able to trust that the products we buy our children are safe. If your loved one has been injured by a defective toy, contact the Media personal injury lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation. Call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online. We represent families throughout Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and the communities of Ambler, Glenside, Media, Norristown, Pottstown, Springfield and West Chester, Pennsylvania.