World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) released their nominees for the “10 Worst Toys of 2015.” They are warning parents to take precautions when buying toys, especially online. Some of the toys on the list seemed super safe, but WATCH revealed looks can be deceiving.
Check out the list below and visit WATCH’s website for more information on toy safety and recalls.
“BUD” SKIPIT’S WHEELY CUTE PULL ALONG
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Manufacturer or Distributor: Retailer(s):
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$29.99
Bunnies By The Bay
Amazon.com, Ebay, Bunniesbythebay.com “babies 6 months and older”
None
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! This soft, plush puppy pull toy is marketed for infants as a “friend” who is “ready to roll.” The furry pet rests on two sets of red wooden wheels with blue hub caps. On June 16, 2015, certain lots of these toys were recalled because the hub caps “can break or come off at the wheel, posing a choking hazard for young children.” After issuance of the recall, a similar toy, purchased online, exhibited the same potential for the “choking hazard” identified in the government’s recall notice.
FOAM DART GUN
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$13.99
GD.Jiefeng Toys
Amazon.com, Ebay
“For Ages 3 & Up”
“WARNING: Do not aim at eyes or face. TO AVOID INJURY: Do not modify darts”, and other warnings (package only)
HAZARD: REALISTIC TOY WEAPONRY!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! In today’s world, there is no excuse for outfitting children with realistic toy weapons designed to produce potentially dangerous and unnecessary thrills. Existing regulations addressing the hazards associated with such “toys” are inadequate. Detailed replicas have resulted in a number of deaths through the years and should never be sold as toys.
STATS 38” QUICK FOLDING TRAMPOLINE
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$49.99
Toys R Us, Inc.
Toys R Us, Ebay
“6+”
“CAUTION: Performing any physical activity presents a risk of injury. Adult supervision required” (packaging), and other warnings/cautions on packaging and packaging insert
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR HEAD, NECK AND OTHER BODILY INJURIES!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! This trampoline is sold in the toy aisle for children as young as 6-years-old. Remarkably, the package insert cautions, in part, as follows:
“Landing on the head or neck can cause serious injury, paralysis, or death, even when landing in the middle of the bed.”
Further, despite an instruction that the product be used “only with adult supervision,” a photo on the packaging shows a child bouncing alone. The many hazards associated with trampoline use should make it apparent to manufacturers and retailers that such equipment should not be sold as a playtime activity for young children.
POO-DOUGH
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$4.99
Skyrocket Toys LLC
Kmart, Amazon.com, Walmart, Toys R Us “3+”
“ALLERGY NOTICE: CONTAINS WHEAT” (package only)
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR ALLERGY-RELATED INJURIES!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! It is difficult to envision the play value of a “toy” inviting children to “[m]ake your own poo!” so that it “[l]ooks like the real thing!” The product, which consists of a “poo mold” and three cans of brown “Poo-Dough compound,” contains an “allergy notice” on the throw-away packaging that the dough contains wheat. Allergic reactions to wheat include symptoms ranging from hives, headaches and difficulty breathing, to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
SPLAT X SMACK SHOT
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$10.00
Imperial Toy LLC
Walmart, Amazon.com, Kmart
“Ages 8+”
“WARNING: Do not aim or shoot at people or animals”; “Launcher should never be aimed at eyes, face, people or animals”; “Anyone within close distance…should be alerted prior to firing…”; and other warnings
HAZARD:
POTENTIAL FOR EYE INJURIES!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! The “Smack Shot” is similar to a slingshot, and is sold with ammunition capable of firing “up to 100ft!” The many warnings and cautions include “alerting” anyone within “close distance to the intended target….”
KICK FLIPPER
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$19.99
Playsmart Inc.
Amazon.com, Learning Express
“5+”
“CAUTION – Do not use on stairs, hills, or inclines”, and other cautions
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR HEAD AND IMPACT INJURIES!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! The “Kick Flipper” is a rigid plastic board marketed to children “[l]ike a skateboard without wheels!” Young users are encouraged to “[l]earn tricks” and “Kick it! Flip it! Pop it!” The manufacturer makes no mention of safety gear, and the children pictured on the packaging are not wearing helmets or other protection.
LEONARDO’S ELECTRONIC STEALTH SWORD
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$24.99
Playmates International Company Ltd.
Toys R Us, Amazon.com, Ebay
“Ages 4 and up”
“WARNING. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Small parts”
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BLUNT FORCE INJURIES!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! Young children are encouraged to engage in a “Ninja Battle” with this rigid, plastic sword associated with a well-known Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles character. The blade has the potential to cause facial or other impact injuries.
KID CONNECTION DOCTOR PLAY SET
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$4.97
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Walmart, Amazon.com, Ebay “2+”
None
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION AND CHOKING INJURIES!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! This multi-colored play set, sold for oral-age children, includes “[e]verything you need to play doctor!” Among the medical devices included is a thin plastic “tongue depressor” measuring approximately 43⁄4 inches in length. Small children are effectively invited to introduce this implement into their mouths, presenting the potential to occlude the airway.
PULL ALONG ZEBRA
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$20.99
Early Learning Centre
Amazon.com, Kmart, Brookstone, Village Toy Shop “12-36 months”
“WARNING – Remember babies and young children have no idea what is dangerous or potentially harmful, so supervision is important….”
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR STRANGULATION AND ENTANGLEMENT INJURIES!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! Despite the industry’s standard requiring strings on playpen and crib toys to be less than 12 inches in length, manufacturers are permitted to market “pull toys” like the “Pull Along Zebra”, with a cord measuring approximately 21 inches. The toy is intended for babies as young as 12 months old.
JURASSIC WORLD VELOCIRAPTOR CLAWS
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$19.99
Hasbro
Target, Amazon.com, Toys R Us, Walmart, Kohl’s “Age 4+”
“WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts will be generated. Not for children under 3 years”
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE AND FACIAL INJURIES!
W.A.T.C.H. OUT! These oversized claws, based on images and characters from the popular Jurassic World franchise, are sold to enable 4-year-olds to “claw like a raptor!” No warnings or cautions are provided regarding the potential for eye and facial injuries.
