Top 10 dangerous toys

[projekktor id=’22040′]

A watchdog group called W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm) has released its annual list of hazardous toys. The group’s director, James Swartz, says parents shouldn’t always trust the labels on packaging when purchasing christmas gifts for their kids, “Don’t assume because a toy like this is sold for a baby and it’s made its way to the shelf that it’s necessarily safe for that age group.”

The top ten list includes:

– velociraptor claws that kids wear on their hands that W.A.T.C.H. says may cause eye or facial injuries

– zebra pull toy on a string that could pose a strangulation risk

– doctor play set with small parts that a child could swallow

– Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sword that W.A.T.C.H. says could case facial injuries

– skateboard without wheels that doesn’t mention safety gear and pictures kids on the packaging that are using the toy without helmets

– variation on a slingshot that can fire ammunition up to 100ft and could cause eye injuries

– play clay kit with a mould to make realistic looking poo-shaped sculptures. The product contains a wheat allergy warning on the exterior packaging but not on the product itself.

– foldable trampoline that poses a risk for head and neck injuries or fractures

– realistic looking dart gun

– pull along dog toy with small parts on the wheels that have been deemed a potential choking hazard

Dr. Christopher Sulowski, an emergency pediatrician at McMaster Children’s Hospital, says the trampoline is particularly worrisome and that many children end up in the E.R. after injuring themselves on trampolines, “It’s a huge cause of fractures and broken bones in kids. Specifically in their upper limbs, in their arms.”

Other common toy dangers include small bits that pose choking hazards or strings that can cause strangulation. Easily breakable toys are also risky. Roughly half of holiday purchases are now made online, which makes it hard for parents to check toy quality. It’s important to make sure a toy can stand up to your child’s style of play. President of the Ontario Safety League, Brian Patterson, says parents should buy from well known retailers to minimize their risk, “you want to be looking for reputable brands, reputable distributors, to ensure that the toy itself has been checked and or tested for the North American market.”

Buying age appropriate toys is also important. Dr. Sulowski says parents should keep in mind that even the safest of toys can become dangerous if used incorrectly, “no matter what toys you buy for your kids this year, I think making sure that you’re supervising them, making sure they know how to play with them safely is a big part of it.”