OAKBROOK, IL – Last year during the holidays, we covered a list of some of the most dangerous toys in history, as well as the ones to look out for in 2020 and 2021 that were a potential danger to children. Now, it's that time of year again when parents and caregivers are searching for the perfect toy to give their children, hoping they’ll find the one to make their eyes light up with excitement. Once again, we’d like to help you ensure that your children can enjoy their gifts safely. It’s important to research which toys present a hidden risk of injury, so we're updating you with the 2022 list of the most dangerous toys out there.
According to a toy safety watchdog organization called W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc.), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were an estimated 198,000 toy-related injuries in the U.S. in 2020 and 51 children died from incidents involving toys from 2018 to 2020.
Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, more at-home playtime has been the norm for most children in an effort to stop the spread, increasing children's time with toys as a result. The last thing parents want this holiday season is a trip to the emergency room, so in order to prevent more deaths and injuries, one thing we can do is be aware of the dangerous toys on the market that present safety hazards.
The following toys are identified by the non-profit safety group in their annual list, “10 Worst Toys”.
Image: Walmart.com
1. Radio Flyer Spin ‘N Saucer
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT INJURIES
[New to List] Recommended for young children ages 1 ½ - 5 years, this circular saucer is meant for children to spin in a 360º motion. Despite the warnings not to use this toy near streets or cars, the label shows a child riding the Spin ‘N Saucer on a sidewalk. In addition, there is no recommendation or instruction about the use of helmets or safety gear.
“WARNING: Never use near motor vehicles, streets, roadways, alleys, swimming pool areas, hills, steps, sloped driveways, inclines and public highways” (and other warnings).
$21.99, Manufactured by Radio Flyer, Inc., sold at HomeGoods, Walmart, Amazon, Ralphs
Image: Walmart.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR HEAD AND OTHER IMPACT INJURIES
[New to List] This hoverboard has two wheels and is recommended for children ages 5 and up, but comes with numerous warnings. In addition to the instructions to ride only with proper training and to comply with local laws, the label also warns that failing to follow instructions can result in “death and serious injury.
“Do not ride without proper training and guidance”; “Do not ride at high speeds, on steep slopes, or in rocky or uneven terrain” (and numerous other warnings/cautions on box and product, and in product manual).
$94.00, Manufactured by Hover-1, Div. of DGL Group, Ltd., sold at Walmart and Hover-1.com
Image: Meijer.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE AND FACIAL INJURIES
[New to List] This Nerf blaster is recommended for children 14 and up, and for good reason. The toy can shoot ammunition at an “extreme speed” which is why the manufacturer warns against aiming at the eyes or face. While plastic eyeglasses are included for eye protection, the full face mask depicted on the packaging is sold separately.
“TO AVOID EYE INJURY: WARNING: Do not aim at eyes or face. Use of eyewear required for players and people within range….” (and other warnings/cautions).
$30.52, Manufactured by Hasbro, Inc., sold at Walmart, Nerf.hasbro.com, Meijer, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Game Stop, and Entertainmentearth.com
Image: Walmart.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BLUNT IMPACT INJURIES
[New to List] Intended to be strapped onto the heels of shoes, these “skates” turn regular footwear into roller skates with only a rear wheel. They are recommended for children 6 years and older. While the product label does instruct children to wear protective equipment, the image on the packaging shows a child using the rollers without a helmet or any other protection.
“WARNING: WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, PROTECTIVE PADS & FULLY ENCLOSED SHOES… DO NOT USE ON WET SURFACES, UNEVEN OR UNPAVED ROAD….” (and numerous other warnings and precautions).
$15.00, Manufactured by Madd Gear LLC USA, sold at Walmart, Us.maddgear.com, Ultgar.com
Image: Walmart.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR SUFFOCATION
[New to List] This toy is a soft “prop mat” meant for newborn infants as a “tummy pillow” that prevents sliding, and also includes auditory and tactile stimulation accessories. However, it comes with a tag warning parents of the potential for suffocation, and says (among other warnings) that babies should not sleep on this product, or use it in a crib.
“WARNING: To prevent suffocation, do not put any pillow in a cot or near an area where an infant may sleep” (on product tag inside box), and other cautions/warnings.
$24.99, Manufactured by Kids2, Inc., sold at Target, Amazon, and Walmart
Image: Saksfifthavenue.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION AND CHOKING INJURIES
[New to List] Marketed for children as young as 12 months old to 5 years old, this beginner drum is meant to encourage music exploration in children. The potential for danger lies in the 5 ½” rigid plastic drumsticks, which could potentially obstruct a child’s airways if ingested. Despite this hazard, the manufacturer does not include any safety warnings about the drumsticks.
“WARNING: Do not use close to the ear! Misuse may cause damage to hearing” (and other warnings on box and insert).
$27.99, Manufactured by Hape International, Inc., sold at Henry Bear’s Park, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Hape-toy.com
Image: Target.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BLUNT FORCE AND EYE INJURIES
[New to List] These large plastic blades referred to as “ninja sickles” have the potential to cause facial injuries, eye injuries, and other impact injuries. The product also cautions against swinging, poking, or jabbing at people or animals.
“CAUTION: Do not swing, poke or jab at people or animals”, and small parts warning (on box only).
$15.99, Manufactured by Hasbro, sold at Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Macy’s
Image: Target.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION AND CHOKING INJURIES
[New to List] This doll is recommended ages 2 and up and comes with small accessories that present a choking hazard. These include a ribbon and a small baby bottle that could be ingested. However, the product does not come with any warnings.
$14.99, Manufactured by JAKKS Pacific, Inc., sold at Target
Image: Target.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BATTERY INGESTION INJURIES
[New to List] Meant to mimic a balloon animal, this toy is intended for use by children 5 years of age and older. This is a battery operated toy with a rear compartment for button cell batteries. These are known to have the potential for severe injuries and death if ingested, which the product label does provide a warning for.
“WARNING: This product contains a Button or Coin Cell Battery. A swallowed… Battery can cause internal chemical burns in as little as two hours and lead to death….”, and other small parts and sound volume warnings.
$9.82, Manufactured by Moose Toys, LLC, sold at Walmart, Amazon, Target, Thepaperstore.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES
[New to List] The danger of Walmart’s toy shopping basket is in the 16 miniature food items included. Although small parts of toys are known to be a choking hazard, the manufacturer only includes a warning about the throw-away packaging materials.
“WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD Small parts” (throw-away packaging only).
$8.79, Manufactured by Walmart, Inc., sold at Walmart
Image: calicocritters.com
This set of cute “critters” is labeled for ages “3+” on the throw-away packaging, however “flocked animals”, regardless of labels, are appealing to oral-age children, as recognized by the industry small parts regulation. The Calico Critters collection includes small parts, such as a pacifier, with the potential for choking injuries.
$14.95, Manufactured by Epoch Co., LTD. Sold at Walmart, Amazon, Kohl’s
Image: toysmith.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE AND FACIAL INJURIES!
5-year-old children are advised to “GO! Launch” this “missile” with the provided slingshot-like launcher, and “watch it soar…up to 75 ft!” The warnings and cautions make no mention of the potential for eye or facial injuries. Moreover, the act of initiating launch occurs near a child’s face, as depicted on the packaging.
$9.99, Sold at Toysmith, The Red Balloon Toy Store, Home Goods
Image: walmart.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE AND FACIAL INJURIES!
These rigid, plastic “power FX” claws, “inspired” by the famous comic book character, Black Panther, are sold for 5-year-olds. The manufacturer includes a caution prohibiting “hit[ting] or swing[ing] at people or animals.”
“CAUTION: Do not hit or swing at people or animals”, and other cautions on the package insert.
$14.99, Manufactured by Hasbro, Sold at Kmart, Amazon, Walmart
Image: jellycat.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION/ASPIRATION INJURIES!
This cuddly, plush owl is sold for babies as young as 12 months old. Nevertheless, even the manufacturer recognizes the toy’s long, fiber-like hair may not be adequately rooted, and is prone to “shredding”. The hair, once separated, presents the potential for ingestion or aspiration injuries.
“WARNING! Not recommended for children under 12 months due to coarse fabric/fibre shredding” (and other warnings on throw-away tag)
$16.99 – Jellycat Ltd. – Sold at Home Goods, Amazon, The Paper Source, Saks Fifth Avenue
Image: toysafety.org
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BLUNT FORCE AND IMPACT INJURIES!
These “jumbo” size fists are sold to enable 3-year-old children to emulate pro wrestling “superstars”. No warnings or cautions are provided regarding the potential for blunt force or impact injuries.
$3.99 – Jakks Pacific, Inc. – Sold at Kmart, Amazon
Image: Amazon.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHEMICAL-RELATED INJURIES!
This “supreme slime lab” is marketed for children to create “GLOBS of gross gloppy goop!”, further identified as “magnetic”, “atomic”, and other types of “slimes”. There are numerous warnings and cautions on the box, package inserts, and the included chemicals and ingredients. For example, the zinc sulfide pouch warns that its contents “[m]ay cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Harmful if swallowed….”
“WARNING: This set contains chemicals that may be harmful if misused. Read contents on the individual containers carefully. Not to be used by children except under adult supervision”, and other cautions/warnings.
$19.99 – Alex Brands-Scientific Explorer – Sold at Amazon, Kohl’s, Toy Express, Magic Beans
Image: target.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CUTTING AND PROPELLER-RELATED INJURIES!
Children are encouraged to “PERFORM AMAZING STUNTS & TRICKS!” by “tossing” it into the air. Despite warning about potential propeller “damage”, the manufacturer urges users to play “catch” by “pass[ing] the UFO back and forth to friends….”
“BOOMERANG UFO WARNING: “….The boomerang UFO can cause damage to the user, spectators, and animals….”; “WARNING! Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing away from the propeller….”, and other cautions/warnings on package and package insert.
$14.99 – Amax Group – Sold at Target, Walmart
Image: moosetoys.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE AND FACE INJURIES!
The “BOOM CITY” race cars are sold with a ripcord “launcher” so children as young as 4-years-old can use the “stunt set” to “RIP, RACE, [and] EXPLODE!” these miniature vehicles. The manufacturer provides numerous warnings and cautions, including not to aim at “eyes or– Risk of eye and facial injuries.
“WARNING: DO NOT PLAY SOUNDS CLOSE TO YOUR EAR! DO NOT AIM AT EYES OR FACE! CAUTION: DO NOT LAUNCH VEHICLE AT PEOPLE OR ANIMALS!” and other warnings/cautions on packaging and packaging insert.
$14.89 – Moose Toys LLC – Target, Amazon, Walmart
Image: Amazon.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION AND CHOKING INJURIES!
This “mini” baby comes with a feeding set, sold for 2-year-olds as “[a]ccessories for doll use only”. The slender, rigid plastic spoon is approximately 23⁄4” long with the potential to be mouthed and occlude a child’s airway.
$6.97 – JC Toys Group, Inc – Sold at Walmart
Image: shopdisney.com
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR BLUNT FORCE AND EYE INJURIES!
Young children are encouraged to “SWING FOR BATTLE….!” with this “ancient, black bladed lightsaber” made of rigid plastic, with the potential for facial and other impact injuries.
“CAUTION: Do not swing, poke or jab at people or animals”, and other cautions/warnings on packaging and package inserts
$29.99 – Hasbro; Disney – Sold at Target, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy
Image: http://www.toysyouhad.com/Bstar.htm
In the late 1970s, this sci-fi toy was introduced into the market following the premiere of the television show Battlestar Galactica across the United States. When a 4-year-old aimed the toy into his mouth, launched one of the projectile missiles, and inadvertently choked himself to death, the toy was quickly recalled.
By March 1979, Mattel was facing a lawsuit and families were calling for the removal of projectiles from all toys. The Battlestar is actually the reason why all toys with small pieces now have a choking hazard warning.
Image: https://www.ghostofthedoll.co.uk/skydancers.php
These fairy figurines had soft foam wings that allowed them to twirl in the air when launched. Unfortunately, when the cord was pulled to launch the fairies, it did so at great velocity.
Three years after being introduced to the market, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received 150 reports of eye injuries, broken teeth, and even a mild concussion.
Image: https://www.throwbacks.com
Essentially the boy-friendly version of an Easy-Bake Oven, the Creepy Crawlers toy in the 1960s allowed kids to make molds of spiders, frogs, and other insects. The problem with the toy was that the oven got extremely hot, causing burns, and the liquid plastic was quite toxic.
Image: missoulian.com
Dangerous toys are not just a thing of the past. These two kits released in 2007 allowed kids to dust for fingerprints similar to how it was done on the show. Unfortunately, the powder used in the kit actually had remnants of asbestos.
The Environmental Group reported that the powder contained 7 percent of tremolite, one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos.
Image: Amazon.com
Marketed as trampolines for your feet, these shoes were never recalled but were known to cause ankle fractures and other leg injuries.
Image: walkmemorylane.wordpress.com
Cabbage Patch dolls were one of the most wanted items of the 90s. One doll in particular though was recalled in 1997. The Snacktime Kid came with real chewing action, but it couldn’t differentiate between the plastic snacks it came with and other edibles.
Some children suffered injuries to their hands while others had their hair caught in the doll’s mouth.
When to Contact A Product Liability Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured by a dangerous toy or defective product, contact product liability attorney Mario Palermo at Palermo Law Group. We can help you determine what your legal options are. To learn more please call us at (630) 684-2332 or request a free legal consultation.