Toys are supposed to be fun, helping children learn to play independently and cooperatively with friends. However, not all toys on the market today are completely safe, especially if they’re used improperly or without parental supervision. Here are 10 potentially dangerous toys that could cause injuries.
1. Trampolines
While fun, trampolines are a leading cause of childhood injuries, including fractures, sprains, and head trauma. According to Business Insider, trampolines cause 100,000 injuries every year due to accidents like falls and collisions. Although installing a safety net around the perimeter of the trampoline can help prevent serious injuries, it may be better to avoid jumping altogether.
2. Inflatable Bounce Houses
Improperly anchored or overinflated bounce houses can collapse or overturn, leading to falls or entrapment injuries, especially in windy conditions. Kids may also accidentally hit each other while excitedly jumping, especially in an overcrowded bounce house with more than four participants.
It’s also important to keep in mind that young children might not have enough coordination yet to land properly. That’s why experts usually recommend limiting bounce house use to kids age 6 and older. But you may want to reconsider allowing your children in bounce houses due to the risk of serious injuries like bone fractures and concussions.
3. Water Beads
Water beads are hard plastic balls that expand as much as 200 times their initial size when submerged in water. They can be incredibly dangerous if children swallow them or put them in their ears, potentially causing gastrointestinal obstructions and hearing loss.
4. BB Guns
While often marketed as toys, BB guns can be dangerous if not used responsibly and with proper supervision. High-velocity BBs can cause vision damage if they hit the eyes and skin damage such as cuts, bruises, and welts. Reportedly there are roughly 30,000 BB gun injuries in the United States alone every year.
BB guns can also hurt animals like squirrels and birds, causing injuries or even fatalities if they accidentally get hit.
5. Balloon Animals
Deflated or broken balloons can become choking hazards for young children if ingested. For that reason, it’s important to have proper parental supervision in areas where balloons are present, such as at birthday parties.
6. Jump Ropes
According to Health Digest, jump ropes can cause injuries like skin lacerations or even black eyes and a broken nose. This can happen if one of the hard plastic handles hits a child’s face while jumping.
Using a jump rope that’s the wrong size can cause kids to trip and fall. There’s also an accidental strangulation risk if the rope is placed around the neck, so it’s important to monitor your child closely while using this toy.
7. Pool Toys
Inflatable pool floats and toys can deflate unexpectedly, leading to drowning incidents, especially if children rely on them for flotation. There has also been a dangerous trend of girls sleeping in pools on inflatable rafts during slumber parties. Proper use of inflatables and careful parental supervision is essential to ensure kids are safe while swimming.
8. Hoverboards
Research has found that hoverboards caused nearly 27,000 emergency room visits. Falling off a hoverboard can cause painful injuries like fractures, bruises, sprains, and even head trauma.
These toys have even caused fires due to battery malfunctions. Experts say it’s important not to leave hoverboards plugged in overnight or when no one is home because they present a fire risk.
9. Water Balloon Slingshot
High-powered launchers for water balloons can cause serious injuries if aimed at close range or if the balloons are filled with excessive pressure. These slingshots can send water balloons up to 150 feet with a high level of force according to USA Today, so they may not be appropriate for kids. Leftover pieces from the broken balloons can also be a choking hazard, especially for young children.
10. Magnet Toys And Button Batteries
Small, powerful magnets can easily be swallowed by children. Ingestion can lead to serious internal injuries or even fatality if multiple magnets attract and trap tissue between them. Toys with small button batteries can be similarly dangerous. Button batteries can be corrosive when ingested, causing tissue damage that could result in injury or even death.
Keeping Your Child Safe
To make an informed purchasing decision, make sure you read the warning label on each toy you buy. This label contains important information like the age range the toy is designed for and instructions for proper use. If you have concerns or questions about one of your children’s toys, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician for advice.
Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.