W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm) has released its annual Most Dangerous Toys List for 2017.
It may come as no surprise that nerf guns and fidget spinners are joining the infamous list. Let me give you a quick run down before you head out shopping for the little ones this year.
The first toy to make the list is on the list due to an all too common problem. Hallmark the distributor and Manufacturer of the “Itty Bittys” stacking toy failed to do 2 things. The first, there was no age recommendation and this toy would reasonably be purchased for . It has small parts that could easily be seperated and swallowed. For this reason the CPSC issued a mandatory recall for the toy on August 31, 2017, however since Hallmark has failed to make sure that the item is no longer sold, it can be purchased from eBay.
Up next, the Tolo Pull Along Pony. Pictured on the packaging of this toy is an adorable toddler with a huge smile. The company is obviously marketing the toy to families with toddlers even though the toy itself could kill a child. The toy contains a 19 inch cord, even though the federal regulation for crib and playpen toys requires that no ropes, cords or strings be over 12 inches in length. This is a stragulation hazard for a young child.
Toys that mimic weapons and encourage fighting almost always garner a spot on this list, and this year is no different. The Wonder Woman Battle Action Sword recommended for ages 6 and up has a rigid plastic blade that can cause serious facial and eye injuries. This toy can be found at Target, Walmart and Toys R Us.
And yes, here they are at number 4, Hand Figetz Spinners. The weights can be detached from the spinners and become a choking hazard. This particular brand is labeled with warning that declares it is not a toy and is just a novelty item, however, it is sold in the toy aisle and sold by a retailer called www.bulktoystore.com.
As a Dad of a 9 year old boy, number 5 certainly got my attention. It is the Spider-Man Spider Drone. Part Drone, part remote control helicopter, and part super-hero all with the look of a spider. It looks like it could make any child happy on Christmas morning, that is until one of the rotating blades caused a laceration capable of scarring a child for life. Even the warning says “Keep spinning rotors away from hair, fingers, eyes and other body parts.” OUCH!
And what would Christmas be without a Nerf gun on the list? The Nerf Zombie Strike Crossbow comes in at number 6. Like most Nerf guns, this crossbow shoots nerf darts at its target and is marketed for children as young as 8. The label warns consumers not to shoot directly at someone else’s eye or face. The warning is ridiculous! Come on Nerf, because 8 year old boys are known for their great aim??!!? What I find most unacceptable is that 30 years ago Nerf was known for making soft footballs, the kind that were less likely to cause injury. The company enjoyed their reputation for making a safer alternative to traditional toys, but unfortunately they seem to have lost their way.
More on Friday…. Stayed tuned!
