It’s all fun and games… Until someone gets hurt! That’s why there’s a watchdog organization dedicated to identifying and denouncing toys that could be dangerous or harmful. As you may guess, November and December is their most active season.
The organization, called W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm), has just released its 2018 list of the 10 most dangerous toys, and some of the stuff on there is… Well… Worrying!
From battery acid leakage to strangulation and choking hazards, these toys were reported as being dangerous, either because of poor design, because they’re marketed to the wrong ages or simply because of their features.
Without further ado, here are the toys you should maybe avoid this year… And don’t forget to visit toysafety.org for the complete list and full details on their possible dangers.
- Nella the Princess Knight Sleep Light / Pillow
Strangely, this night pillow/light is labeled as “not intended for use in crib”… So where can it be used, then? Additionally, there is a battery leakage risk. Yikes! - IMPACT HAZARDS: Nerf Vortex VTX Praxis Blaster, Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket
Reportedly, the problem with this toy is that it shoots its projectiles far too hard, especially considering it’s advertised for ages 8 and up. Maybe consider a gentler alternative for your trigger-happy 8-year-olds?
As for the Stomp Rocket, it’s marketed to 6-year-olds, who are expacted to “Clear the launch site” and refrain from aiming the rockets at faces, etc… Right… - IMPACT HAZARDS: Black Panther Slash Claw, Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel Superstar Blade
“What, you mean I can’t hit or swing at people with this?” Yeah, like any 5-year-old is going to heed THAT warning! Here, the danger lies not in the toys themselves, but rather in their possible misuse by very young children. - CHOKING HAZARDS: Cabbage Patch Kids Dance Time Doll, Zoo Jamz Xylophone, Nici Wonderland Doll’s Miniclara the Ballerina These toys, marketed to very young children (starting at 1 1/2 or 2 years), present a choking hazard due to the fact that they include very small pieces children could put in their mouths. According to toysafety.org, very young children are at risk of choking or strangulation from these toys.
- PUNCTURE HAZARD: Cutting Fruit
According to toysafety.org, very young children could puncture or otherwise injure themselves with the plastic knife included with this toy. - STRANGULATION HAZARD: Chien À Promener Pull Along Dog
As pointed out by toysafety.org, this toy forgoes industry regulation by providing a longer cord with which to pull the toy dog along. The cord measures 19 inches despite safety standards for a maximum of 12 inches.