This holiday season, many shoppers will have this year’s most popular toys on their shopping lists. Unfortunately, as with any product on the market, some toys may be defective, or they may not be the safest choice. According to the 2018 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report, there were an estimated 251,700 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2017. Because the most common injuries are head and face related, Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest non-profit health organization, has dedicated December as Safe Toy and Gifts Month.
Popular Toys that have been recalled
While toy manufacturers work to create popular products that are safe for child use, there have been numerous times in 2019 where a product has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to faulty accessories. According to SafeKids.org, these products include:
- Beaufort Bonnet Handmade Knit Dolls – In October 2019, Beaufort Bonnet Company recalled their Handmade Knit Dolls due to the discovery of sewing needles. Approximately 4,500 were recalled, as the sewing needles are a puncture hazard.
- ‘Exploding Kittens’ Safety Goggles – The popular 2019 card game, Throw Throw Burrito Extreme was recalled. The goggles provided with the game contain glass lenses, which can pose a threat to children if shattered.
- Super Jumper Trampolines – Though children and parents must always be cautious when jumping on trampolines, Super Jumper Trampolines were claimed defective earlier this year due to welds on the metal railings. Approximately, 23,000 trampolines were recalled due to potential fall injuries.
- Pearhead Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys – Every young child enjoys bringing their toy in the bath and parents might find it harmless to do so. However, it was found that while in water, the Ubbi Connecting bath toys would break into sharp pieces that would cause laceration and choking hazards in children.
- Disney Forky 11” Plush Toy – Over 80,000 Forky Plush toys have been recalled this year. The toys’ “googly” eye detaches and poses a choking hazard for young children.
- Boppy Company Infant Head and Neck accessories – While this product was created to keep infants from harm, 14,000 head and neck accessories have been recalled from Boppy Company. These accessories face suffocation hazards for infants due to the overstuffing of the product.
Even if a toy has not been recalled, it can still present dangers with improper use. This year make toy safety a priority and consider both the precautions and the age range of toys when holiday shopping. Here are some tips to help you with your holiday toy shopping:
Toy Safety Checklist
Inspect toys before purchasing – Before purchasing a child’s toy, make sure there are no sharp or pointy edges, harsh chemical liquids (found in slime), parts that fly off, or ropes and cords.- Read warnings and instructions – Do not be left in the dark. If the toys you have chosen have a warning label marked “Choking Hazard” or flame symbols, it might be better suited for an older child. For added measure, search for toys labeled “ATSM.” Toys with this label meet the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard.
- Be Diligent – When checking for toys, always make sure they are appropriate for the child you are buying for. Check for age, skill level, and developmental appropriateness before making your purchase.
- Purchase Safety Gear – If gifting sporting equipment such as skateboard, bicycle, hoverboards, or scooters, always be sure to provide them with protective gear as well.
- Avoid Lead in Toys – The best way to avoid lead in toys is by educating yourself about lead exposure. Keep your child safe from lead poisoning by being aware of the symptoms, keeping track of what toys have been recalled due to lead poisoning, and avoid buying non-brand toys, old toys, and toys from discount shops. If you suspect your child might have lead poisoning, contact your doctor right away.
- Consider Special Needs – If you are purchasing a toy for a special needs child, look for toys that include the different senses and toys that are interactive.
Taking the proper toy safety precautions will help your entire family enjoy the holiday festivities this year knowing your child will be protected as best as possible. Always remember to supervise your children while they are playing with toys, store toys away properly after play, and have children wear the right protection when necessary.
Product liability
What happens if a toy you have purchased turns out to be defective and causes a serious injury? In the state of Florida, if someone is injured due to a defective product, there are product liability laws that allow you to seek proper compensation. Parties liable for a defective product may include the manufacturer, seller, designers, or wholesalers.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to a product, consider speaking with a product liability attorney as soon as possible. At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, our team of attorneys have represented product liability claims and can help you better understand these types of cases. We invite you to schedule a free initial consultation by giving us a call at (305) 662-6178.
References:
Safe Toys & Gifts Month. Retrieved December 5, 2019, from https://apha.org/events-and-meetings/apha-calendar/2019/safe-toys-and-gifts-month-2019
Safe Toy Checklist. Retrieved December 5, 2019, from https://preventblindness.org/safe-toy-checklist
