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10 Worst Toys for 2011

W.A.T.C.H.'s annual "10 Worst Toys" list nominates toys with the potential to cause childhood injuries, or even death.

Are any of these dangerous toys on your kid's wish list - or maybe in their toy box?

1. Power Rangers Samurai Mega Blade (US) (UK)

Product Features
• The futuristic sword not only swings open from its compact carrying mode at a pull of a trigger, but it extends 2 foot long
• Conversion and multiple battle sounds allow kids to reenact their favorite action where good prevails over evil
• Use the large extendable sword to recreate scences of the Mega Mode Rangers in their Zord and Megazord cockpits
• In the TV series the Mega Blade in compact mode serves as a steering device for the Zords and Megazords, reenact your own scene of steering at home
• Power up mega blade
• CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - Young children are encouraged to pull a release and flip-open this rigid plastic Power Rangers Samurai "sword", which "extends 2 feet!" according to the packaging. The blade has the potential to cause serious facial or other impact injuries.

2. Stepper "Low Rise" Stilts by JJI Toys (US)

Product Features
• Just step on the platform
• Pull the ropes up tight and begin to walk around
• Durable 4" rise plastic platforms and adjustable rope hand cords
• CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - These colorful plastic platforms with attached, adjustable "hand ropes" are sold as "perfect 'low rise' stilts". The manufacturer provides no warnings or cautions. The instruction on the throw-away tag invites children, as young as five years old, to "just step on the platform, pull the ropes up tight, and begin to walk around" while balancing on top of the cups.

3. Sword Fighting Jack Sparrow (US) (CA) (UK)

Product Features
• Highly detailed 12" figure
• Multiple removeable accessories includes: hat, guns, sword and jacket
• Trigger activated fencing feature brings figure to life
• Play or collect
• CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - Sold for children as young as four years old. The pirate's right hand is armed with a 4 1/2"-long rigid plastic sword, which activates in an upward motion at the push of a lever. No warnings are provided regarding the potential for eye or other impact injuries.

4. Gigan Godzilla Figure (US)

Product Features
• CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.
• Beware of sharp claws

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - This "12[-inch] Classic Godzilla Figure", referenced on the packaging as the character "Gigan", features rigid, pointed fins and wings, as well as sharp, dagger-like attachments on its arms. Such unforgiving, plastic protrusions present the potential for penetrating and impact injuries.

5. Twist 'N' Sort by Guidecraft (UK)

Product Features
• A fun colourful manipulative that promotes colour and shape recognition
• also promotes fine motor skills.
• Ages 3+

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - This play set consisting of a "brightly colored geometric block and solid wood base" is sold to provide "years of developmental fun" with "problem solving challenges" and "fine motor practice." On October 20, 2011, certain lots of these toys were recalled because "the small pegs on three of the four posts can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children". After issuance of the recall, a newly purchased Twist 'N' Sort toy exhibited the same "choking hazard" identified in the government's recall notice.

6. The Incredible Shrinky Dinks Maker (US)

Product Features
• Let your imagination run free with all the creative possibilities
• A 60W candelabra clear base bulb is needed to function, not included
• Includeds: 1 Incredible Shrinky Dinks Maker, 6 pieces of Shrinky Dinks plastic, a cool art booklet with 18 traceable designs, 3 colored pencils, 1 magnet strip, 1 key chain, 1 shrinky tray and tool
• Hours of shrinking fun, just color, cut, and shrink!

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - This oven uses standard 120-volt house current and shrinks a "shrinky dink" in a "heating chamber" with a 60-watt light bulb. A parent or caregiver needs no further indication that this oven could be dangerous than the litany of warnings and cautions on the toy itself and the packaging, including:
• "CAUTION-ELECTRIC TOY: As with all electric products, precautions shall be observed... to prevent electric shock."
• "WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD. Pull plug before changing light bulb."
• "DANGER - To prevent electric shock, do not immerse in water."
• "CAUTION - SUPERVISION REQUIRED - ELECTRIC TOY- UNPLUG WHEN NOT IN USE."
A product with so many inherent hazards does not lend itself to use in a home environment with children.

7. Fold And Go Trampoline by The Original Toy Company (US) (UK)

Product Features
• Totally foldable for easy storage.
• Holds 1 child up to 150 pounds.
• Suitable for indoor/outdoor
• Extra safety, comes with padded frame cover and handle
• Ages 3 and up

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - This trampoline is sold in the toy aisle for children as young as 3 years old.
The package insert instructs, in part, as follows:
"Never attempt any other functions or gymnastic functions or rough play on the trampoline, this trampoline is designed for young children ONLY. The only function on this trampoline should be a controlled bounce (exercise), for young children. No other functions should occur other than a controlled bounce."
The many hazards associated with trampoline use should make it apparent that such equipment should not be sold as a playtime activity for young children.

8. Pulling Animal Duck by Haba (US) (UK)

Product Features
• Perfect for little hands to push pull or roll
• Waddling duck with pull string
• Encourages children to crawl and begin to walk
• Help develops gross motor skills
• Made of solid beech wood and non-toxic solvent-free dye
• Recommended Ages: 12 months - & Up
• WARNING: Do not make a knot or grip in the string. (stick-on label on box only)

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - This cute wooden duck that waddles as it is pulled along, is sold as a pull toy for 1-year-old babies. The duck's cord is approximately 33" long, presenting a serious potential strangulation hazard. Industry's standard limits strings on crib and playpen toys to 12" in length

9. School Bus by Schylling

Product Features
• Large yellow die-cast school bus
• Measures 8-1/2" long
• Pull back action
• Working stop sign and swinging doors
• Lots of fun
CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - These miniature yellow school buses are sold with a "choking hazard" warning on a removable, stick-on label. The firm rubber tires, mounted on plastic wheels, can be removed, presenting the potential for a serious choking injury for oral age children.

10. Z-Curve Bow by Zing Toys

Product Features
• Shoots over 125 feet
• easy to use firing mechanism works left or right handed
• includes 2 bounce back arrows and 1 Zartz suction cup arrow
• arrows made of soft, safe foam
• pinpoint accuracy
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

W.A.T.C.H. WARNING - This "high-performance" bow and arrow set is sold with three "long-range" foam arrows, which are marketed as being able to fly "over 125 FEET!" Among the many "warnings" for children is that arrows should not be pulled back "more than half strength", and that people nearby "should be alerted" prior to firing.

Click for Free Baby Choke Tester
Every home should have a choke tester to check if toys and other objects are safe for baby play.

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