Holiday Shopping Toy Warnings for 2020
Posted on December 10, 2020 in Firm News
The holiday shopping season will look a bit different for New Yorkers this year. Online shopping is highly encouraged and is the safest way for families to purchase gifts. However, buying online also makes it difficult to check these items for safety tangibly. This step is particularly important when buying toys and goods for children.
To keep you informed of dangerous products already on the market, World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H) recently published its annual list of the most harmful toys of the season. W.A.T.CH. is dedicated to protecting children from preventable harm and to helping parents navigate the unregulated world of toys.
2020’s 10 Worst Toys and Why
Provided by W.A.T.C.H.
1. CALICO CRITTERS NURSERY FRIENDS
These cute toys are a choking hazard. Parents should be vigilant of small pieces that could occlude airways if ingested.
2. MISSILE LAUNCHER by ToySmith
The throwaway box offers no other warnings for any injuries aside from choking. Nevertheless, the launcher can shoot up to 75 feet so beware of injuries to the face, eyes, and animals.
3. MARVEL AVENGERS VIBRANIUM POWER FX CLAW
Be advised of warnings not to swing or hit others. Despite being advertised for ages five and up, the claws are plastic and rigid and could harm your child or others. Watch for eye and facial injuries.
4. GLORIA OWL
This toy for 12-month-old infants sheds material that could be dangerous. The plush fibers are long and course and could cause choking injuries if ingested.
5. WWE JUMBO SUPERSTAR FISTS
Adults should always supervise children when playing with these “fists,” with a potential for blunt force and impact injuries.
6. SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER SCI-FI SLIME
Parents should read all of the instructions and warnings for this kit. It includes hazardous chemicals and ingredients that could pose harm if ingested. Parents should be vigilant for severe irritations to the skin and eyes.
7. THE ORIGINAL BOOMERANG INTERACTIVE STUNT UFO
This toy has a propeller that could result in cuts or other soft tissue injuries. Anyone using this toy should keep hands, hair, and loose clothing away from the propeller.
8. BOOM CITY RACERS STARTER PACK
This toy makes loud noises that could be alarming to pets and children. It also includes a ripcord launcher that should never be used near the ears, face, or eyes. Avoid aiming at others and pets.
9. MY SWEET LOVE LOTS TO LOVE BABIES MINIS
Hazards parents should look for are choking and potential ingestion. These toys come with small accessories that, if swallowed, could block airways.
10. STAR WARS MANDALORIAN DARKSABER
Though sabers are meant for fighting and swinging, this toy’s label advises not to. Kids are advised not to swing or jab at others or animals. Doing so could cause harm to the face, eyes, or other blunt injuries.
How to Find Safe Toys
Most toys have warnings and age restrictions on them for a reason. These warnings have been put in place to protect children from known injuries. As tempting as they can be to ignore, all toy warnings should be taken seriously.
As parents, it’s impossible to watch your child’s every move, making it essential to surround them with safe, low risk toys. Parents can assess the safety of a toy by first looking for common features known for leading to injuries, including:
● Choking warnings
● Toys with small parts
● Toys with magnets
● Loud noises
● Long chords or strings.
● Cheap or age-inappropriate jewelry
● Balloons and latex parts
● Sharp or rigid edges
Additionally, parents take the time to research every children’s product they plan to purchase. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission site or the state’s department of health page are great initial resources to check for any toy recalls.
Stay Safe While Shopping This Holiday
Safe Online Shopping: Covid-19 has significantly changed how the world shops. Online shopping offers complete social distancing from others but poses the risk of scams and unsafe products. Only shop on websites you are familiar with and trust. Scammers are out there and can potentially sell defective toys or harmful materials in place of legitimate products.
Recalls: It’s best to be safe than sorry; searching for recalls is a simple way to prevent any hazardous play. Take the time to do your research to avoid causing harm.
Stay on the defense: It’s important to think of your child’s playing habits and what they like to play with before buying gifts. When purchasing new toys, keep a defensive mentality to avoid problems.
Read all warnings and labels: Toy companies have a duty to label their products with any warnings necessary. This can include safety instructions and age restrictions. Be sure to read through everything to make sure your children can safely enjoy their new toys.
Play safely outside: Parents who plan to give their children bikes, scooters, or other outdoor recreational gifts this season should remember to buy safety equipment too! Helmets, knee pads, and proper footwear can all help to avoid serious injuries outdoors. Shop safely and smartly this season, New York.
Contact us using our convenient online form or feel free to phone us in New York at 212-227-1212, or in Huntington/Long Island at 631-864-2429.