Unfortunately, dangers such as small parts, projectiles, rigid materials, toxic substances, and inaccurate labels and warnings are continually reappearing in the new generation of toys. They put children at risk of unnecessary injuries and death. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 224,200 toy-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency departments in 2019. Sadly, 53 children aged 14 years or younger lost their lives in toy-related incidents from 2017 to 2019.
Learning about the hidden hazards in children’s toys can help parents and caregivers keep children safe. Here are the 2020 toys that have caused injuries or have grave potential to do so.
Calico Critters Nursery Friends
These small animal figurines are dangerous toys because they can potentially lead to choking injuries. Their clothing can become loose. The toys also come with small accessories, such as a pacifier. The clothing and accessories pose a choking hazard. The pacifier accessory is suspected of having caused the death of a girl in New Mexico.
Gloria Owl
This plush owl is recommended for children who are 12 months old and above even though it has fiber-like hair that can be easily pulled out. Once separated, the hair can cause ingestion or aspiration injuries.
Scientific Explorer Sci-Fi Slime
The toy has numerous troubling warnings on its box and package inserts. It is supposed to be used only under adult supervision. The chemicals used on it pose a risk of chemical ingestion. The package inserts state that the chemicals can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Missile Launcher
The provided slingshot launcher can shoot the missile up to 75 feet. It could harm the eyes, face, and anything else in the way of the flight path. The packaging has a picture of the launch action being initiated near a child’s face. Nevertheless, there is no warning about the potential eye and face injuries.
Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw
The retractable claws on this toy are inspired by the Black Panther character. They can cause serious injury if they make contact with a person. The packaging has a caution statement prohibiting hitting or swinging the toy at animals or people. Nevertheless, the toy is dangerous because it can encourage hitting, especially considering the comic book character it is based on, and cause facial and eye injuries.
WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists
These big wearable fists let children aged 3 years and above to emulate pro wrestlers. There are concerns about the risk of blunt force and impact injuries that they carry. Adult supervision is suggested on the packaging, but there is no warning about the potential injuries.
Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber
A caution label warns against swinging, poking, or jabbing this black bladed lightsaber at other people or animals. Children that want to mock Star Wars lightsaber duels can hit and injure one another. The hard plastic sword can cause facial and impact injuries.
My Sweet Love Baby Minis
The mini baby has a feeding set. It is marketed to babies 2 years and older. The toy is, however, unsafe even for the 2-year-olds it claims it is for because of its accessories. Its plastic spoon is about 2¾” long. When a toddler tries to put it in his or her mouth, it could block an airway.
The Original Boomerang Interactive Stunt UFO
The toy encourages children 8 years and above to perform tricks by tossing it into the air. It also urges children to play catch with friends by passing it back and forth. At the same time, the product warns about propeller damage. It can cause cutting and other propeller-related injuries.
Boom City Racers Starter Pack
These miniature racecars have a ripcord launcher, which can result in a personal injury to children. It can injure their eyes, face, and ears. The cars have several other warnings, including a call not to launch them at people or pets.
The ten toys above are not the only hazardous ones, but they are representative of the dangers that can be found in similar toys.