The U.S. toy industry generates approximately $26 billion each year in sales, according to the NPD Group – a market research company. The Toy Association, an industry group which monitors toy safety, releases a list of the most dangerous toys in the late fall, in time for Christmas shopping. All toys sold in the U.S. must meet more than 100 safety and standards tests before they can be sold, according to Joan Lawrence, Senior Vice President of the Toy Association.
A Boston-based nonprofit called World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) also releases a list of the most dangerous toys every fall. “WATCH’s 10 Most Dangerous Toys of 2017” include the following.
- Itty Bittys baby plush stacking toy by Hallmark
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for this defective product injury in August due to the detachable small fabric hats and bows that pose a choking hazard.
- Pull Along Pony by Tolo Toys Limited
WATCH says the product violates a federal law mandating that strings on playpen and crib toys be less than 12 inches long. The Tolo toy’s cord is 19 inches long. But the Toy Association says pull-along toys are an exception to this rule because the purpose is to teach motor skills.
- Wonder Woman Battle-Action Sword by Mattel
WATCH warns consumers that the stiff plastic sword can cause facial damage or other injuries to children.
- Hand Fidgetz Spinners by Kipp Brothers
Fidget spinners are meant for antsy kids, but WATCH says many come with small parts that can easily become loose or pulled off. These inexpensive toys have been the target of several CPSC reviews since their release in late 2016.
- Spider-Man Spider-Drone Official Movie Edition by Marvel and Skyrocket Toys
The drone comes with rapidly moving blades that propel it into the air. The toy comes with a warning to keep moving parts away from fingers, hair, eyes, and other body parts. WATCH says this is dangerous for children—to which the drone marketing is targeted. Many of you might recall how a similar, serious drone accident to Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer’s fingers seriously limited his ability to appear in the 2016 Baseball Playoffs.
- Nerf Zombie Strike Dreadbolt Crossbow by Hasbro and Nerf.com
The crossbow toy can cause eye and facial injuries. WATCH says the crossbow is inappropriate for small children.
- Slackers Slackline Classic Kit by Brand 44
This outdoor tightrope is marketed as an activity for all ages, but it comes with a CPSC warning of “severe injury,” including a chance for “strangulation hazard, especially with children.”
- The Oval Xylophone by Plan Toys Inc. and Plan Creations
This wooden instrument – marketed to children as young as 12 months old – can be purchased online. WATCH says that the toy does not come with a warning regarding the 9-and-a-half-inch-long stick, which could be placed in the child’s mouth and obstruct (or tear) the child’s airway, potentially leading to child injury at school.
- Jetts Heel Wheels by Razor USA
The mini roller-skate-like devices attach to the back of a child’s shoes to create a “rear-wheel roller skate.” They have sparklers on the back which “spark” while moving. The manufacturer warns users to “keep sparks away from eyes, hair, exposed skin, and clothing.” These sparks can burn.
- Brianna Babydoll by Melissa & Doug
These dolls are marketed to children as young as 18 months, but they feature removable clothes and ponytail holders, which WATCH says could pose a choking hazard.
If your child has been injured by a defective toy, or anyone in your family was hurt by a defective product of any kind, contact the experienced attorneys with the accident and injury law office of Terry Bryant by filling out our online contact form, or give us a call toll-free at (800) 444-5000.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
