Ten Worst Toys

On Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Massachusetts based safety group W.A.T.C.H released their annual list, "Ten Worst Toys". The well known Massachusetts based safety group W.A.T.C.H., "World Against Toys Causing Harm" is a charitable non-profit corporation that works hard to educate the public about life threatening children's products. These products include toys, children's furniture, clothing and playground equipment.

Top Ten Worst Toys:

1. Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boat: Manufactured by Fisher Price this brightly colored boat was sold from June 2007 to October 2007 in retail stores nationwide. This brightly colored orange and yellow boat is made for making bath time fun. A recall of these toys was released on October 25, 2007 due to excessive levels of lead found in the surface paint.

2. Sticky Stones: This magnetized iron ore which was sold as toys to children has the potential for internal injuries. They have powerfully magnetized so that they will stick together in clumps. They are intended for children to link one to another creating fun shapes. If a child were to accidentally swallow more than of these small toys, they can become attached to the child internally, causing perforations, infection or blockage. This can result in serious injury and possible death.

3. Jack Sparrow's Spinning Dagger: Manufactures by Zizzle, this plastic toy is designed to strap on a child's wrist. It is associated with one of the characters from the Disney movie, " Pirates Of The Caribbean". The toys is in the shape of a dagger and spins around when a button on the toys is pushed. This toys was sold at Wal-mart stores nationwide. There is a strong potential for injury to the eyes. The manufacture has failed to provide any warning labels in regards to this potential danger. Not intended for children under five years of age.

4. Dora The Explorer Lamp: This is not considered a toy. It is a small lamp manufactured by Funhouse. It was sold at Wal-mart stores nationwide. There is a risk for potential injury due to electrical shock, burns and possible fire. This is not a toy and should not be left with in the reach of children.

5. Lil' Giddy Up Sassy Pet Sacks: This small soft horses are sold with their own "Pet Sacks" , which are intended to be used as a carrier. The labels placed on this toy by the manufacturer (Douglas) is misleading to say the least. The tag on the horse states it is a toys sold for newborn age babies. Yet the carrier in which the horse is attached to clearly advises the toy is not intended for children 18 months or younger. The small wooden beads attached to the toy present a risk of possible choking if swallowed by a child.

6. Spider Man Three, New Goblin Sword: This toy is manufactured by Hasbro and sold in Target stores nationwide. The rigid, plastic spring-loaded blade extends out three feet long by pressing a button. According to W.A.T.C.H., this toy has the potential to cause injury to the face and other parts of the body.

7. Hip Hoppa: This toy is sold in Toys R Us stores nationwide. It has the similar design of a pogo stick toy. This toy consist of a handle in which the child holds onto, a plastic stick that is attached to a foot board which is mounted on a bouncy ball. The toys is designed for the child to bounce and hop around on the ball. For safety reasons it is recommended to use safety equipment while using this toy. If a child were to loose their balance while playing on this toy it can have the potential of causing head and other bodily harm. The toys should be used under adult supervision and with caution to avoid the potential of possible falls or collisions.

8. B' Loonies Party Pack: This toy presents the potential possibility of chemical ingestion and burns. This toy is sold as a package of tube of plastic gooey like substance and blow pipes. The chemicals contained in the plastic gooey substance are flammable and toxic. They should not be used near a child's mouth or face. According to the label this toy is recommended for children six years of age or older. According to W.A.T.C.H. this toys possess the possibility of chemical ingestion and / or chemical burns.

9. My Little Baby Born: This doll like toy is designed to be cared for as a real baby. This toy is sold at Sears stores nationwide. It contains a small pacifier in which can become detached. This is considered a choking hazard to children. The toy fails to meet the toy industry's inadequate small parts "choke tube" standard.

10. Rubber Band Shooter: This toy is designed like a sling shot device. It is made to shoot the rubber bands out of the shooter. The toy does contain a warning label stating" Intended for target practice only, do not aim at people" This toy has the possibility to cause eye injuries.

Most of the items listed above are still sold to the public today. Only a few were actually recalled by the manufacture for safety purposes.

Edward M. Swartz is a trial lawyer and child safety consumer advocate. In 1968 he began working hard to help educate the public of the dangers of life threatening toys and other children's products. This corporation began creating "The Ten Worst Toys" list in 1973. Every year a new list is released. W.A.T.C.H. has exposed many children's toys that have the potential to cause injury and harm to children. Because of Swartz's efforts the lives many children have been saved. For more information about W.A.T.C.H. or the above list of toys refer to their website: W.A.T.C.H.