In a couple of months, schools will close for summer vacations, the kids will spend much of their time cooking up a storm in their play kitchen, playing house with their baby dolls, and enjoying some time on the family hoverboard. That is, of course, when they’re not nagging you to get out of the house, and when you agree to let them tag along to the mall, you realize you cannot do much grocery shopping because you’ve decided to stop at their favorite toy store.
But while it can be hours of fun (for them) and eventually a smile on their faces when you give in to their nagging and opt to buy their silence for the rest of the family outing, our spontaneous and hasty purchase usually doesn’t consider just how dangerous a specific toy might be.
Kirstie Haslam, a partner at DSC Attorneys, says that an alarming number of dangerous children’s toys are available on store shelves and online, resulting in personal injuries and, in extreme cases, death.
Which toys are dangerous for my child?
When discussing these toys, she mentions that parents should, for example, look out for toys that could be a choking hazard. Referencing the American Journal for Justice and quoting Rachel Weintraub, the legislative director and general counsel for the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), she explained that choking is a leading type of toy injury as toys for children six and under often include small parts, and children get toys that are too big for them, despite the warning label.
She also mentioned that there are thousands of incidents of children swallowing powerful magnets, which pose a hidden hazard because the magnets are strong enough to rip through the oesophagus or small intestine if a child swallows more than one.
Riding toys also pose a threat as they are ridden on the street or in a driveway where vehicles can’t see them. As such, off-highway vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVS), pose serious threats, citing that in 2015, ATVs killed at least 58 children under 16.
- If the toy has a cord that exceeds the allowable length, it can become a strangulation or entanglement risk to children.
- If the toy comprises many smaller toys or has detachable parts—even the detachable rings of seemingly harmless fidget spinners—it can become a choking hazard for children.
- If the toy has sharper edges or parts, even if it’s a toy sword or spear that an action figure carries, it can cause facial injuries when children are play-fighting with it.
- If the toy has high-speed rotating blades, as seen in many drones, it can cause serious injury to fingers, eyes, and faces.
- If the toy incorporates some sort of firing action, such as Nerf guns and the like, the toy or part of the toy that is fired can cause eye and facial injuries.
- If the toy incorporates some sort of strap-on wheels, in addition to the obvious fall hazard and injuries, it could create sparks along the ground and even be a burn risk.
What action can I take if my child gets hurt?
While new technology provides us with a whole new array of toys that are way more advanced than the Frisbees and paddle balls we had in our day, it also presents new threats and risks, mainly if products are not adequately assessed and issues are not addressed before they are put on the market.
Hoverboards are not considered toys, but children obviously interact with them. The traditional hoverboard hazard is the fall hazard, but the battery packs are more cause for concern—they’re new technology that poses a fire risk.
Most importantly, use common sense when allowing toys into your home: handle the toy to see how sturdy it is and consider the consequences of possible misuse, then make an informed decision.
Are there any other toys parents should look for and potential hazards to avoid? Email us at info@rollupkids.com, and we may publish your comments.