Group Issues Warnings About Dangerous Toys This Christmas

For children, the holidays are a time for wish lists of all the favorite toys they hope Santa will be bringing. For parents, it means dealing with online retailers and crowded local stores to purchase all of the gifts. Unfortunately, children suffer serious personal injuries every holiday season due to toys that are either defective or fundamentally dangerous. Rather than simply working your way down your child’s list, take a moment to see how one consumer advocacy group is issuing warnings about dangerous toys this Christmas.

10 Worst Toys For 2019

Every year, the consumer advocacy group called World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) issues it’s Top 10 Worst Toys’ right around Thanksgiving. While toy manufacturers and sellers downplay the risks, parents would be wise to consult it before doing their holiday shopping. Items on this year’s top ten include popular name brand items:

1. Nerf Ultra One dart gun

2. Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

3. Bunchems Bunch’n Build blocks

4. Nickelodeon Frozen Treats Slime maker

5. Anstey Electric Toy Gun

6. Yeti Toy Sets

7. Diecast School Bus

8. Pogo Trick Board

9. Power Rangers Electronic Cheetah Claw

10. Viga Pull Along Caterpillar

W.A.T.C.H. claims that all of the above pose serious hazards for children in terms of the risk for fall injuries, choking, strangulations, severe lacerations, or other types of personal injuries. They warn a child is treated in hospital emergency rooms every three minutes as a result of toy-related injuries, and that the holidays are the most dangerous time of year for these accidents to occur.

Protecting Your Child Over The Holidays

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns parents to use caution in regards to the types of toys they buy for their child, both during the holiday season and throughout the year. Pay close attention to news reports about children’s injuries, and watch for toys that end up being recalled due to safety issues. Additional ways to protect your child against personal injuries caused by dangerous or defective toys include:

• Make sure toys are age-appropriate. Most toys have a recommended age level printed on the box.

• Buy only from reputable sellers. Avoid cheaply made toys or those made in countries with less rigorous safety standards.

• Get the appropriate safety gear. If you buy toys such as bikes or skateboards, provide a helmet and protective pads with it.

• Double-check all toys. Before wrapping up toys, make sure they are put together properly, with no obvious hazards or defects.

• Monitor your child’s play. Once the child opens it, play with them a few times to make sure they are using the toy properly. Very young children should always be monitored when playing with any type of object.

Let Us Help You Today

Be sure to heed the warnings about dangerous toys this Christmas. If your child suffers injuries as the result of a dangerous or defective toy, the Surasky Law Firm, LLC can help you hold the manufacturer or distributor accountable. Call or contact our Aiken personal injury attorney online and request a consultation to discuss how we can help you today.