An alarming number of dangerous children’s toys are available on store shelves and online resulting in personal injuries and even, in extreme cases, deaths and parents need to be vigilant when purchasing.
This is according to Kirstie Haslam, partner at DSC Attorneys, who says that this is highlighted in a recent international survey released by World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) which names its 2017 list of toys most likely to cause injuries.
WATCH is an NGO that was created 45 years ago to monitor and prevent these kinds of accidents by highlighting which toys have the potential to hurt children.
Its 2017 list named:
Hallmark’s Itty Bittys Baby Stacking Toy
This Disney branded toy consists of plush stackable rattling rings. The rings have fabric hats and bows that detach too easily, becoming a choking hazard.
Tolo Toys’ Pull Along Pony
This plastic pull along pony has a cord that exceeds the allowable length. This poses a strangulation or entanglement risk to children.
Mattel’s Wonder Woman Battle-Action Sword
This sword is made from rigid plastic that can cause facial injuries when children are play fighting with them.
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Kipp Brothers’ Hand Fidgetz Spinners
Most fidget spinners have detachable rings that can become a choking hazard once removed from the spinner.
Mattel’s Spiderman Spider-Drone (Official Movie Edition)
This drone has high-speed rotating blades that can cause serious injury to fingers, eyes and faces.
Hasbro’s Nerf Zombie Strike Deadbolt Crossbow
Designed specifically to fire projectiles, this “crossbow” poses a risk of eye and facial injuries.
Slackers Slackline Classic Series Kit
This acrobatic kit is marketed as 5+ but the potential for injuries from falls is very high with this tightrope-like device and the line itself could be a strangulation risk.
Plan Toys’ Oval Xylophone
This toy comes with a small, narrow drumstick that would be easy for a baby to stick down their throat, causing injury and obstruction.
Razor’s Jetts Heel Wheels
These strap-on wheels have a skid pad that creates real sparks when braking. These sparks are a burn risk as they could ignite hair and certain fabrics.
Melissa & Doug’s Brianna Babydoll
This doll has many small items that are removable and could be a choking hazard to babies and small children.
Haslam says that many of these dangerous toys mentioned in the report are readily available in store and online in South Africa.