Consumer Advocates’ Most Dangerous Toys of 2015
The maker of this wheeled toy recalled 800 of them in the U.S. this summer after the hub caps broke off and posed choking hazards for young children, according to World Against Toys Causing Harm, or W.A.T.C.H. The toy is still available for purchase.
W.A.T.C.H.
The realistic appearance of this black gun, which shoots foam darts, lands it on the list. W.A.T.C.H. noted there had been several high-profile cases of police shooting children and adults who were brandishing toy weapons.
W.A.T.C.H.
W.A.T.C.H. points out that the trampoline comes with a warning that says jumping could result in paralysis or death. In addition, the child on the box is shown jumping without adult supervision, even though the toy recommends it.
W.A.T.C.H.
As tempting as it might sound to buy your child a toy that invites him to “Make Your Own Poo,” W.A.T.C.H. warns that this toy contains wheat, which could cause a serious reaction from children with a wheat allergy. The toy comes with a warning on the package, but not the toy itself.
W.A.T.C.H.
This toy invites users to shoot plastic projectiles up to 1,000 feet in the air. W.A.T.C.H. says bystanders could risk eye injuries.
W.A.T.C.H.
Marketed as a “skateboard without wheels,” this toy encourages kids to try tricks like flipping and kicking the board. W.A.T.C.H. notes the potential for head and other injuries, especially for children not wearing helmets like those shown on the packaging.
W.A.T.C.H.
This hard, plastic sword could cause serious blunt force injuries by a child who’s impersonating his favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. It also contains small parts that could be a choking hazard to young children.
W.A.T.C.H.
W.A.T.C.H. warns that children playing doctor with these toys could choke on some of the smaller pieces, particularly the tongue depressor, which children may put in their mouths.
W.A.T.C.H.
Children as young as four are encouraged to don these claws and let their inner dinosaur out. W.A.T.C.H. says the packaging doesn’t provide enough warning about potential eye and face injuries the toy could cause.
W.A.T.C.H.
While the length of this pull toy’s string (21 inches) meets federal standards, W.A.T.C.H. warns that it has the potential for strangulation and entanglement. The box claims the toy is suitable for babies as young as 12 months old.
W.A.T.C.H.