Holiday Toy Safety: Dos and Don’ts

On Thursday, December 17^th, Attorney Chad McLain of Graves McLain appeared via Skype on KTUL’s Good Day Tulsa program to talk about toy safety, and some items to avoid this holiday season. Watch the segment:

Watching Out for Kids

W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc.) is a non-profit organization designed to educate the public about dangerous products aimed at children. Each year during the holiday season, they publish a “10 Worst Toys” list which informs the public about dangerous items that may appear on holiday wish lists. Many times, toys appear perfectly safe at first glance. W.A.T.C.H.’s mission is to ensure that kids stay safe while having fun.

The Need for Toy Safety Oversight

The statistics regarding toy-related injuries are alarming. According to the most recent data available, in 2018, more than a quarter of a million toy-related injuries were reported. Seventeen of those injuries tragically resulted in death. Over a third of all toy-related injuries involved children aged 5 and younger.

Two categories of toys were notable safety hazards. Building sets and toy vehicles were responsible for 13% of injuries in children aged 5 and under. For older kids, non-motorized vehicles were the culprit for nearly 20% of injuries to kids aged 15 and younger.

Some of 2020’s Worst Toys

Attorney McLain brought a few toys from the W.A.T.C.H. list to illustrate dangers that may not immediately be apparent to consumers. While these toys seem harmless enough at first glance, upon further inspection, they contain elements that could be harmful to kids.

Boom City Racers Starter Pack

This small car toy is geared for children ages four and up. The cars “explode” out of a plastic chamber with a ripcord. The loud noises that the toy makes can be harmful to little ears, and the ensuing flying pieces may cause injuries. The packaging does contain warnings not to aim the cars at the eyes or face.

Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber

Also aimed at children four and older, this is a lightsaber-type toy. While nearly everyone’s instinct with a lightsaber is to swing it around, the packaging cautions against doing exactly that. The hard plastic that the toy is made of holds the potential for eye and blunt force injuries.

Safe Toy Buying Tips

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the youngest on your list that will help ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

• Always make sure to check recommended ages on toy packaging
• Keep toys with small parts out of the reach of smaller children (aged 3 and under) to avoid a choking hazard
• Check all toys for pieces that could easily detach and be accidentally swallowed
• Avoid toys that “shoot” or have flying pieces as these can easily cause eye or blunt force injuries
• Be sure to closely supervise children with toys that use electricity or chemicals (such as a circuit set or chemistry kit)

Graves McLain is Here to Help.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous product, call Graves McLain right away at 918-359-6600. When you call one of our experienced product liability attorneys, we will speak with you for FREE and determine the best course of action.

We review every detail of your situation at no cost to you—and fight hard to protect your rights. Trust our team, we are here to help.

Graves McLain – Serious Lawyers for Serious Injuries