\
SAFETY experts have released a disturbing list of dangerous toys that could threaten the lives of children if they’re purchased this Christmas.
From choking hazards to gunshot risks, the World Against Toys Causing Harm committee gave chilling reasons why none of these items should be wrapped under the tree.
3
3
Each year, WATCH analyzes toys on the market to assess risks for anxious parents ahead of the holidays.
The list reflects “potential hazards that families, caregivers, and educators should look out for to help safeguard children year-round,” the group said in a statement.
“Toy safety is about stopping potentially unsafe products from reaching children in the first place,” said WATCH president Joan E Siff.
“As long as unsafe toys remain on the market, staying informed about hazards is essential to prevent injuries and deaths.”
The first toy experts urged parents to avoid the Pinovk toy Colt 45 pistol, which is currently being sold on Amazon.
The toy shoots out foam bullets, but the sleek black design is eerily similar to a real gun, which can lead to injury.
“Detailed replicas mistaken for lethal weaponry have resulted in numerous deaths over the years and should never be sold as toys,” WATCH said.
The plush brustle hedgehog by Douglas Inc. may look like a cute toy for a toddler, but gift buyers have been urged not to bring one home.
This is because fiber-like hair isn’t adequately secured, so it can be shed and ingested or inhaled by a child.
According to WATCH, parents should also avoid the Transformers Earth Spark cyber-sleeve because of an eye damage risk.
The toy is fitted on the wrist, and users can point their fists at playmates to shoot off foam bullets.
On the back, Hasbro warns that eye protection is advised and urges children never to aim at the face, but WATCH claims this isn’t enough to protect kids.
“Although the warnings and cautions appear to mainly address the potential hazards associated with projectiles, the rigid, plastic sleeve extension also presents the potential for eye and other blunt force injuries,” the organization said.
Kinetic sand scents ice cream treats may look like a fun gift for kids, but WATCH claims it could lead to health concerns.
Ten ‘worst toys’ of 2024
A child safety organization is urging parents to beware of the dangers some toys pose to children. Ten items highlighted by World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (WATCH) include:
- Pinovk Toy Colt 45 Pistol – potential for tragedy from realistic toy weaponry
- Bristle Hedgehog – potential for ingestion injuries
- Transformers Earthspark Cyber-sleeve – potential for eye injuries
- Kinetic Sand Scents Ice Cream Treats – potential for ingestion injuries
- Wubble Rumblers Inflatable Furious Fist – potential for blunt force trauma and impact injuries
- Click N’ Play Toy Remote Set – potential for choking injuries
- Snackles Sandy – potential for suffocation injuries
- X-shot Poppy Playtime – potential for eye injuries
- Playzone-fit Tri-flyer – potential for impact injuries
- Zoo Jamz Doggy Xylophone – potential for ingestion and choking injuries
The organization believes the sand-based product’s design and scent could lead kids to try and swallow it, despite manufacturer Spin Master warning it’s a choking hazard.
Much like the Transformers toy, the Wubble Rumblers Inflatable Furious Fist could lead to injuries if improperly used, WATCH said.
Manufacturer NSI International advises parent supervision and an age limit for the toy, but WATCH worried users could still hit each other hard in the face and cause impact injuries.
The Click N’ Play Remote Set should be dodged this Christmas because of the warning about the choking hazard on the back, WATCH believes.
The company EZ Trading says children under one should use the small phone, remote, and keys because of choking risk, but WATCH experts feel that kids up to three years old could be in danger.
Snackles Sandy sold by Zuru should be avoided for a similar reason, as the plush doll is reported to be safe for newborn babies.
However, WATCH claims that some infants can suffocate on larger, soft toys.
Zuru is also selling a cheap X-Shot Poppy Playtime gun that comes with foam bullets, but safety experts believe it could be too powerful.
The darts can be shot up to 90 feet, which WATCH believes is “enough force to potentially cause eye injuries.”
Parents have also been warned about the Playzone-Fit Tri-Flyer, a riding toy designed for small kids to wheel around on.
Users are urged to never stand on the toy, but WATCH blasted the brand for not including a warning to wear a helmet.
Finally, shoppers might want to stay away from the Zoom Jamz Doggy Xylophone, according to WATCH.
Safety experts said the drumstick handle is too long and thin for small kids, as it could get stuck in their throats if they try to swallow it.
3
