Children's toys should be designed with the utmost safety in mind. Unfortunately, some defective and dangerous products make it to the market and in children's hands. The World Against Toys Causing Warm (WATCH) tracks toys that it considers to pose a risk of choking, puncture wound, electrocution and other serious injuries. WATCH released its list of the top ten most dangerous toys of 2011.
The Twist 'n Sort by Guidecraft, Inc. may present a serious choking hazard to small children. Certain lots of this toy were recalled in October of 2011 after reports of small pegs becoming detached and posing a choking hazard.
The Power Rangers Samurai Mega Blade, manufactured by Bandai, has the potential to cause serious facial injuries or other impact injuries. The insert includes a number of warnings, not to: "(1) aim toy at anyone, (2) hit anyone with toy, (3) poke anyone with toy, (4) swing toy at anyone…" etc.
Manufactured by the Original Toy Company, the Fold & Go Trampoline presents a number of hazards. Although fixed with a safety bar, young children may suffer serious injuries if they do anything other than bounce up and down while holding firmly onto the bar.
A wooden duck, sold as a pull toy for one-year-old children, has a cord that is nearly three feet long. This may present a serious strangulation hazard. This toy is manufactured by Haba.
A miniature yellow school bus, manufactured by Schylling, presents a serious choking hazard. The tires can be removed from the bus, and though there is a warning label that states: "WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years," this is in the form of a removable, stick-on label only.
The Z-Curve Bow by Zing Toys, Inc. was designed for children 8 years and older. The bow shoots foam arrows, which are marketed as being able to fly over 125 feet. Among the many warnings in the toy's packaging include an instruction that the bow should not be pulled back "more than half strength."
The Stepper "Low Rise" Stilts, manufactured by JJI Toys, carry no warning label, though there are a multitude of injuries that may be associated with walking around while balancing on these brightly-colored cups. The toy is recommended for children aged 5 and older.
A sword-fighting Jack Sparrow action figure, by Jakks Pacific, is not recommended to be sold to children under 3 years old. The toy features a 4 1/2" rigid plastic sword in the figure's right hand, which moves in an upward motion when activated by a lever on the toy. There is no warning label about the potential for eye injury or other injuries this sword may cause.
The Incredible Shrinky Dinks Maker, by Big Time Toys, operates off electricity and features a heating chamber with a 60-watt light bulb. This toy may present both electrocution and burn hazards to children.
The "Gigan" Godzilla figure, by Bandai, features a warning of choking hazards and that it should not be used by children under 3 years old. There is no warning, however, regarding the rigid and pointy wings, fins and dagger-like arm attachments on the toy, which could cause puncture wounds or impact injuries.
You can view the entire WATCH dangerous toys list here, including photographs, here: http://toysafety.org/worstToyList_index.shtml
In the event that your child is injured by a dangerous or defective toy, it is important to seek medical attention and to consult with an attorney. Taking the appropriate steps by filing a report about the hazard can protect other children from suffering the same injury. You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer to seek financial compensation for your child's medical care and possibly more.