(NEWSnet) – A toy safety awareness organization has issued its annual “10 Worst Toys” list for 2023, timed in advance of the holiday shopping season.
W.A.T.C.H., which stands for World Against Toys Causing Harm, announced its nominees on Nov. 15, with the explanation that the mentioned toys “are representative of some of the many different types of potential toy hazards that families, caregivers and educators can avoid to safeguard children year-round.”
During 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports, there were about 145,500 emergency department visits associated with toys, balls and balloons among children age 12 and younger. The CPSC urges parents and caregivers to follow age recommendation notes listed on toy packages; in addition to considering a child’s abilities. Those who are buying toys second-hand also should look to see if products have been recalled by checking the CPSC website.
Experts say details to watch for include parts that have the potential for eye injuries, a plush design that might contribute to infant suffocation, or pieces that could break off and become a choking hazard.
“Many toy-related injuries are preventable,” the W.A.T.C.H. organization said.
This year’s “worst toys” list, and the cited reasons, by W.A.T.C.H:
- Disney The Little Mermaid King Triton’s All-Powerful Trident: potential for blunt force and eye injuries.
- Original Squishmallows-Raisy: potential for suffocation
- Soccer Boppers: potential for blunt force and impact injuries.
- Diecast Fast-Food Truck: potential for choking injuries.
- Our Generation Hop In Dog Carrier: potential for choking injuries.
- Orbeez Seeds- Rainbow: potential for choking and ingestion injuries.
- Splat-R-Ball Dude Perfect Blaster: potential for eye injuries.
- B Toys Make A Melody Musical Instrument Set: potential ingestion and choking injuries.
- Zoom-O Turbo Disc Launcher: potential for ace and eye injuries.
- Carve Pro Stunt Scooter: potential for head and other impact injuries.
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