W.A.T.C.H. Releases Annual List of 10 Worst Toys For Child Safety

World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc.is a non-profit organization focused on educating the public about dangerous children’s products, increasing consumer awareness, and pushing for more responsible manufacturing and marketing practices.

Every year, W.A.T.C.H. releases a list of the 10 worst toys for child safety. Our Houston product liability attorneys want to make sure you and your loved ones know about these toys and the hazards they present.

Here are the 10 worst toys on their list for 2014.

1. Air Storm Firetek Bow: Although this light up bow and arrow set is marketed as being able to fly up to 145 feet and designed for night or day, it carries warnings saying “arrows should not be pulled back at more than half strength” and “not for play in complete darkness.” The biggest risk of injury with this toy is to the eyes and face.

2. Radio Flyer Ziggle: This small, four-wheeled cycle encourages kids to “swerve & spin” and “race around the block” It’s low-to-the-ground profile causes potential hazards with outdoor use. The biggest injury risk is potential forehead and other impact injuries.

3. Catapencil: This miniature slingshot-style launcher carries no age recommendations and encourages using the pencil-catapult for target practice. The risk for eye injuries should keep this toy of your kids Christmas list.

4. Alphabet Zoo Rock & Stack Pull Toy: Industry standards require playpen and crib toys to have no strings longer than 12 inches. However, “pull toys” do not have to follow this restriction, and this toy has a string of about 20 inches. On the package, the manufacturer recognizes the potential risk of strangulation.

5. SWAT Electronic Machine Gun: According to W.A.T.C.H., detailed weapon replicas such as this one have resulted in a number of deaths over the years and should not be encouraged as toys. Even the packaging cautions that the toy is so realistic it “may be mistaken for an actual firearm by law enforcement officers.”

6. Wooden Instruments: Marketed for infants ages 12 months and up, the drumstick in this instrument set has the potential to block a child’s airway if put in the mouth. The manufacturer doesn’t include any warnings for this potential hazard.

7. Bottle Rocket Party: The package warns that these projectiles “may be harmful if misused,” and there is a potential risk of face, eye and other impact injuries.

8. Lil’ Cutesies — Best Friends: These dolls are marketed for children ages 2 and up, but the decorative bow that many of the dolls are sold with can detach and pose a choking hazard.

9. True Legends Orcs Battle Hammer: There is a potential for blunt impact injuries when children wield this hard plastic “Battle Hammer” that’s almost 2 feet long.

10. Colored Hedgehog: This soft plush toy recommended for ages 0 and up has long, fiber-like hair that is easily removed and presents potential for ingestion and aspiration injuries. The product carries no warning for this hazard, but does recommend removing all tags, twist-ties and plastic loops from the package before giving it your child.

If your child gets one a toy from this list as a Christmas present, be sure to carefully read all instructions and weigh the risks. If your child was injured by a defective or hazardous toy, contact the Houston product liability attorneys today to find out what your legal options are.

Update 9/18: Although W.A.T.C.H. hasn’t released their “List of 10 Worst Toys For Child Safety” for 2018, you can view their list for 2017