Did you buy one of the ten worst toys of 2014?

W.A.T.C.H. released its list of the ten worst children’s toys in 2014 last month.  W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm) is a Massachusetts non-profit organisation that publishes annual lists of the worst toys.

 W.A.T.C.H. cautions consumers that this list does not include all toys with potential hazards.  It does however; illustrate hazards in toys that parents should know about. 

1.     Airtek Firestorm Bow

This toy is a bow and arrow set which advertises the ability of its arrows to fly up to 145 feet.  W.A.T.C.H. expresses concern about the risk of eye injuries from this product.  It also criticizes the product’s warnings:

This “light-up power” bow and arrow set is sold with three “screaming whistle” arrows which are marketed as being able to fly “up to 145 ft! Remarkably, among the many warnings for children is an instruction that arrows not be pulled back “more than half strength”, and that the “fire glow” illuminated arrows and bow, designed for “night or day”, are “[n]ot for play in complete darkness."

2.     Radio Flier Ziggle

This four-wheel ride on toy is advertised for children between the ages of 3 to 8.  W.A.T.C.H. believes this toy is hazardous for outdoor use because it is low to the ground. W.A.T.C.H. also criticizes the products warning stating:

Furthermore, despite a warning to “always wear” a helmet and other safety gear, the young rider pictured on the box is wearing no protection.

3.     Catapencil

The Catapencil is a catapult fashioned from a pencil.  The Catapencil package does not have any warnings or list appropriate ages. .W.A.T.C.H. warns of the potential for eye injuries from this product and comments:

Children of all ages, while being advised to “play safe and enjoy,” are also encouraged to use a pencil-turned-catapult for “target practice for your desktop!”  Sharpened pencils should not be marketed as playthings, much less a miniature slingshot-style launcher.

4.     ALPHABET ZOO ROCK & STACK PULL TOY

This pull toy is marketed for toddlers 18 months and above.  W.A.T.C.H. is concerned that the 20-inch cord in this toy is hazardous as it “poses a risk of strangulation and entanglement.”

5.     SWAT ELECTRIC MACHINE GUN

Because this toy resembles a real weapon, W.A.T.C.H. warns that children should not use it.  It reminds us that 

Detailed replicas have resulted in a number of deaths through the years and should never be sold as toys.

6.     WOODEN INSTRUMENTS

This wooden instrument set is manufactured by Walmart and sold as an appropriate toy for babies as young as twelve-months-old.  W.A.T.C.H. is concerned that  a child could put “the slender, rigid approximately 4½” long drumstick in his mouth and it could block the child’s airway.

7.     BOTTLE ROCKET PARTY

This kit lets children make seven bottle rockets and helps your child “throw a party they will never forget.”  W.A.T.C.H. warns of the potential for eye, face, and other impact injuries and notes that the required “safety goggles” are not supplied.

8.     LiL’ CUTESIES – BEST FRIENDS

This range of baby dolls is marketed for children between 2 and 4-years-old.  W.A.T.C.H. is concerned that the dolls

are sold with a decorative bow made of ribbon which can detach from the head of the baby doll, posing the potential for choking if ingested.

9.     TRUE LEGENDS ORCS BATTLE HAMMER

This toy is a 23-inch plastic hammer marketed as suitable for children 3 and over.  W.A.T.C.H. warns of the potential for blunt impact injuries.

10.     COLORED HEDGEHOG

These brightly colored soft toys are for infants.  W.A.T.C.H. warns:

The toy has long, fibre-like hair that is not adequately rooted and is easily removable, presenting the potential for ingestion or aspiration injuries. 

Source:

W.A.T.C.H.’S 2014 NOMINEES FOR “10 WORST TOYS”

©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action