You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out: Worst Toy List 2017

Time for a truth lasso lesson, World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) has a list of 10 toys for 2017 that could be potentially hazardous. That list includes my favorite superhero, Wonder Woman, and Spiderman. W.A.T.C.H. warned parents against toys that have inconsistent and inadequate warnings, cautions and age recommendations as well as other classic safety hazards.

The group also asked parents to do their homework if they are buying online. Beware of recalled toys, toys with deadly track records, and incomplete product information that may mask hazards at the time of purchase. One child is treated in a U.S. emergency room every three minutes for a toy-related injury.

So without further ado, here are your 10 Worst Toys for the 2017 Holiday Season.

1. Itty bittys baby plush stacking toy by Hallmark

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES!

This plush Disney-themed stacking toy with four rattling rings is sold without age recommendations or warnings. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall notice on August 31, 2017 due to “fabric hats and bows that can detach, posing a choking hazard.” A Hallmark “Itty Bittys” Baby Stacking Toy was purchased online after the recall was announced.

2. Pull Along Pony by Tolo Toys Limited

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR STRANGULATION AND ENTANGLEMENT INJURIES!

Despite the industry’s standard requiring strings on playpen and crib toys to be less than 12 inches in length, manufacturers are still permitted to market “pull toys” such as the “Pull Along Pony” with a cord measuring approximately 19 inches. No warnings are provided.

3. Wonder Woman Battle-Action Sword by Mattel

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BLUNT FORCE INJURIES!

Young children are encouraged to bear arms, like a popular comic book and movie character, to engage in “[f]ighting alongside men in a war to end all wars.” The rigid plastic sword blade has the potential to cause facial or other impact injuries.

4. Hand Fidgetz Spinners by Kipp Brothers

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES!

Fidget Spinners, like these bright-colored versions, can be found in retail toy aisles. These spinners remain popular with children of all ages, and some present potential small parts hazards.

5. Spider-Man Spider-Drone Official Movie Edition by Marvel and Skyrocket Toys

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE AND BODY IMPACT INJURIES!

This “official movie edition” remote-control drone, based on the Spiderman Superhero franchise, is sold for use by children. The “performance drone”, designed to launch into the air powered by multiple rotating rotor blades is accompanied by numerous warnings, including the potential for “damage or injury”.

6. Nerf Zombie Strike Dreadbolt Crossbow by Hasbro and Nerf.com

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE INJURIES!

Children as young as 8-years-old are encouraged to load “arrows” into the “deadbolt” crossbow, pull back the “primary pressurized lever” and fire the projectiles in order to “strike back” at “zombies.” The force of the arrow launch presents the potential for eye and facial injuries.

7. Slackers Slackline Classic Kit by Brand 44

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR STRANGULATION AND FALL-RELATED INJURIES!

This Slackline is marketed for “all ages” pursuant to a package insert, providing a tightrope-like device intended to be anchored between two trees. The manufacturer warns of the potential for “severe injury”, including “a strangulation hazard, especially with children.”

8. The Oval Xylophone by Plan Toys Inc. and Plan Creations

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION AND CHOKING INJURIES!

This multi-colored musical instrument is sold for babies as young as 12 months old. The manufacturer provides no warnings regarding the slender, rigid approximately 9 ½” long drumstick handle, which has the potential to be mouthed and occlude a child’s airway.

9. Jetts Heel Wheels by Razor USA

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BLUNT IMPACT AND FIRE-RELATED BURN INJURIES

“Heel Wheels” are marketed to be strapped to heels of children’s shoes so footwear can be transformed into a type of rear-wheel roller skate. The manufacturer adds “real sparking” action to the “Jetts” with “skid pads”, as evidenced by numerous warnings, including: “Keep sparks away from eyes, hair, exposed skin and clothing. Sparks can burn.”

10. Brianna Babydoll by Melissa & Doug

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES!

These “huggable, soft” dolls, marketed for babies as young as 18 months old, have “removable clothing.” The pink ponytail holders are also removable, presenting the potential for ingesting and choking.

Photo Credit and information from: W.A.T.C.H.

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Beth Ridgeway

Beth Ridgeway lives in Madison with her husband, daughter, and toy poodle. She works as the Social Media Specialist at the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. When she’s not volunteering or working, you can find her binge watching Netflix, reading, or rehearsing improv.