WATCH Issues List of 10 Worst Toys for 2008
Find Out What Toys are Dangerous or Deadly for Children and Babies
Nov 18, 2008
World Against Toys Causing Harm, or "WATCH," has issued its annual 10 Worst Toys list for 2008 - just in time for the holiday shopping season. So parents may want to check their kids' Christmas lists for these dangerous and potentially deadly toys, according to WATCH.
Holiday shoppers who are looking for a great gift idea for a child should also check out the WATCH 2008 10 Worst Toys list to ensure that they don't purchase a dangerous toy for a child this holiday season.
The Animal Alley Purse Pet Dubbed a WATCH Worst Toy
WATCH says that The Animal Alley Purse Pet, sold for ages "0+," is dangerous for infants because of the plush purse toy's long, fiber-like hair, similar to that seen on troll dolls that were popular in the 1990s.
WATCH. says the hair fibers are not sufficiently rooted, and the easily-removable hairs pose a hazard if ingested or aspirated by a young child.
Ninja Battle Gear (Michelangelo) Among WATCH Worst Toys
Ninja Battle Gear (Michelangelo) is comprised of a potentially dangerous "Nunchaku" weapon used by Michelangelo, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle characters. The toy has no accompanying caution or warning concerning the potential impact injuries that may occur when a child is swinging around a nunchuck-like toy.
WATCH Says Walk'N Sounds Digger the Dog is a Dangerous Toy
Walk'N Sounds Digger the Dog is sold for children age 12 months and older, but W.A.T.C.H has found that this toy ignores "the industry’s voluntary standard requiring strings on playpen or crib toys to be less than 12” in length." This pull-toy has a cord measuring more than two feet in length, posing a strangulation hazard to toddlers.
WATCH Worst Toys Include Pucci Puppies - My Own Puppy House Golden Retriever
Pucci Puppies' My Own Puppy House Golden Retriever is sold for children age two and older. But this toy includes small parts, including a dog bone, chew toy and dog food bowl - accessories that could be ingested by a small child.
According to WATCH, there is no warning about the potential for choking hazards with this toy.
Meadow Mystery Play-A-Sound Book With a Cuddly Pooh a WATCH Worst Toy
The Meadow Mystery Play-A-Sound Book, which comes with a "Cuddly Pooh" doll that has a fabric mask that is removable and may pose a choking hazard to children. In addition, according to WATCH, the packaging says that the product has been safety tested for children "18 months+," but the tag attached to the plush toy indicates that it is appropriate for kids of all ages.
Inflatable Giga Ball on 2008 WATCH Worst Toy List
The Inflatable Giga Ball is recommended for kids 4 and older. WATCH says this toy is dangerous because kids can climb inside the giant ball to "spin, tumble and bounce."
This toy poses serious risk for impact injuries, according to WATCH, which also noted that "the box warns against using the ball on hills or near water, and notes that parental supervision is 'required.' However, the toy itself indicates that adult supervision is only 'recommended...'"
WATCH Worst Toy List Includes Spiderman Adjustable Toy Skates
Spiderman Adjustable Toy Skates are sold for kids ages 3 to 6. The package recommends use of full safety gear, but the toy is only sold with elbow and knee pads. No other safety gear, like wrist guards or a helmet, is included.
Sportsman Shotgun Dangerous Toy According to WATCH
The Sportsman Shotgun is sold for kids age 14 and older, but WATCH says that the rubber bullets that are sold with this realistic-looking weapon are dangerous and pose an eye injury hazard, among other risks.
Extreme Spiral Copters on WATCH Worst Toy List
Extreme Spiral Copters are sold for kids age five and older. But WATCH says the Extreme Spiral Copters are dangerous, posing a risk for eye injuries, because "Young children are encouraged to launch the projectile into the air with the provided elastic band, in a fashion similar to a slingshot."
Go Go Minis Pullback Vehicle Dubbed WATCH Worst Toy
The Go Go Minis Pullback Vehicles are sold for kids age 3 and older. These toy fire trucks, garbage trucks and school buses are sold with removable tires that pose a choking hazard for young kids. There is a warning displayed on the box, but the actual toy has no "choking hazard" warning.
Parents and Christmas shoppers may also want to read the WATCH Worst Toy List for 2009.
Looking for some safe gift ideas and popular toys for babies and children this holiday season? Check out the Christmas Shopping Tips and Gift Ideas Page, complete with great age-appropriate Christmas gift ideas for kids, and a look at the best and most popular toys for babies.
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