As we enter the holiday season, toys are top of mind for many consumers, who are searching for the perfect gifts for children in their lives.
Keeping in mind that toys may be in short supply because of shipping and transportation issues related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will be increased demand for toys that are on the shelves and consumers may not be going to their typical stores to find them, as there is less inventory everywhere.
Because products can be defective and dangerous because of a manufacturing or design error, ineffective packaging, or incorrect instructions and marketing materials, the researchers at World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.), provides an annual dangerous toys list ahead of the shopping frenzy that kicks off right around Thanksgiving.
Although these items make the list, this does not mean shoppers will not find them in stores. In the United States, a child is treated in a hospital emergency room every three minutes for a toy-related injury. The goal of the W.A.T.C.H. list is to provide shoppers with information so that they do not purchase the products for a child.
The Top 10 Worst Toys for 2021
- Radio Flyer Spin Saucer by Radio Flyer, Inc. Retails for $21.99. Targeted to children aged 1.5 to five years. This is a saucer that is unique because it provides 360 degrees of motion while sliding. W.A.T.C.H. listed this toy as a hazard near any vehicles, sidewalks, or steep slopes.
- My First Hoverboard by Hover-1. Retails for $94. Targeted to children five years and up. This hoverboard made the list because, although it cautions the user to obey local laws and use safety precautions, it is targeted to five-year-olds.
- NERF Hyper Rush-40 Blaster by Hasbro. Retails for $30.52. Targeted to children 14 years and over. Although this product warns users not to aim for the eyes or face and the packaging shows a child in a face mask, the face mask is sold separately. The product does come with plastic eyeglasses. W.A.T.C.H. warns that this toy could result in eye and facial injuries.
- Roller Light-Up Heel Skates by Madd Gear, LLC. Retails for $15.00. Targeted to children six and up. These skates made the list because if used on wet surfaces or uneven roads, the child is likely to fall. The packaging warns of potential falls and advises safety equipment but shows a child with no safety equipment using the skates.
- Bright Start Tummy Time by Prop & Play by Kids2, Inc. Retails for $24.99. Targeted to infants. The Bright Start Tummy Time is on the list because it offers a plush surface and a pillow for a baby to lie down for exercise. As W.A.T.C.H. notes, the dangers of pillows and plush items with infants are well documented. It is listed as a suffocation hazard.
- Learn to Play Drums by Hape, International. Retails for $27.99. Targeted to children from one to five years. This is listed as a potential choke injury. The drumsticks are small, slender, and inflexible. For a child who has begun mouthing objects, they could be partially swallowed and block the airway.
- Snake Eyes by G.I. Origins Ninja Strike Sickles by Hasbro. Retails for $15.99. Targeted to children five and over. This toy includes plastic blades and is listed by W.A.T.C.H. as a potential hazard for eye and facial injuries.
- Perfectly Cute My Lil Baby Feed & Go Set by JAKKS Pacific, Inc. Retails for 14.99. Targeted to two years and older. This feeding set is listed as a potential choking hazard for small parts that might be ingested by the two-year-olds the toy targets.
- Squeakee Minis Poppy the Bunny by MooseToys. Retails for $9.82. Targeted to children five and over. This toy is listed as a hazard because children could swallow the small button batteries included in the rear compartment. Swallowing the tiny batteries will cause internal chemical burns and could lead to death.
● My Life as Shopping Basket by Walmart. Retails for $8.97. Targeted to children three years and over. The small parts in the basket are a choking hazard and may be mouthed by children playing with them.
Atlantic City Products Liability Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Help Families of Injured Children
When a child is injured by a dangerous toy, the family needs an advocate. If your child has sustained injuries from an unsafe toy, reach out to the Atlantic City products liability lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm. Our experienced law team will fight to secure the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us at 609-926-3300 or contact us online for a free consultation. With an office in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we assist accident victims in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and across South Jersey.