W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  This Disney “rocket launcher”, named after a popular movie character, uses air pressure from pumping a “tube launcher”, which “shoots” a rocket “up to 20 feet!” The packaging contains inconsistent labeling, stating in bold letters that the projectile toy is “FOR ALL AGES!”, while also advising in smaller letters on the back that it is “not recommended for children under three years of age.” The rocket, despite the manufacturer’s proclamation that it is “safe”, launches at a high rate of speed with the potential to cause serious eye injuries.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  An elastic cord connects a “trick handle” to the “Moon Board”, consisting of a plastic platform integrated with two inflatable “pogo balls” so children can “attempt tricks and special jumps....” Numerous “safety tips” and cautions are provided on the packaging, including: “Remember that the cord connecting your Moon Board to the trick handle is elastic. If stretched and released, it could spring back and cause injury”; “Only use your Moon Board in safe areas that are free of any obstacles….”; and “Do not attempt ‘tricks’ beyond your skill level.” Furthermore, despite the manufacturer’s recommended use of a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  Children’s books have traditionally provided hours of safe entertainment for young minds, however potentially deadly hazards may be found even in these educational products. This colorful book, depicting the famed character “Curious George” on its cover, is marketed for newborn babies as their “first book of numbers”. A 6 1/2” long metal rod holding five wooden beads is imbedded in between the cardboard-like pages, to serve as a “rattle” and a “counting device for babies of different ages.” The rod and beads have the potential to dislodge, posing a potentially serious risk of ingestion and choking injuries.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  This tall 30” figure is modeled after the famous Batman hero known to generations of children. Batman’s mask includes two 1” ears made of pointed, rigid plastic. Toddlers may fall on these inflexible protrusions, with the potential for penetrating and blunt-force injuries.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  The Wolverine action figure, sold for children as young as four years old, is marketed as an “indestructible combat machine” with a “[s]lashing [u]ppercut!” Wolverine has rigid, pointed plastic claws sporting three 1 1/2” protrusions on both fists. The right “pop-out” claw retracts upon impact, whereas the left claw remains rigid and unforgiving upon contact. Incredibly, there are no warnings on either the box or the toy itself.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  This “Perfect Mini Doll”, sold for oral-age children as young as two years old, comes complete with its own bathtub. The tub, however, has a small plastic shower attachment, connected only by a thin plastic cord. Once detached, the shower head fails even the industry’s inadequate small parts “choke tube” standard.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  This toy musical instrument set includes a saxophone and xylophone, both of which display an array of lights and sounds at the touch of a button. Babies as young as eighteen months old are encouraged to use the “drumstick” to play music on the xylophone. The slender, 4 1/4” drumstick is connected to the xylophone only by a knotted cord. Once separated, the drumstick could be mouthed and occlude a child’s airway.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  These miniature “Caterpillar” brand construction vehicles are sold for eighteen-month-old babies, sporting large plastic wheels and moveable parts for “free-wheeling fun!” Unfortunately the vehicle’s axles and wheels have the potential to separate from the chassis, exposing a solid metal spoke over 3” long, which could cause serious puncture wounds.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  Parents are “advised” to supervise their two-year-old toddlers who play with these plush pets. The pet’s leash is approximately 35” long, presenting a serious potential strangulation hazard. The industry’s standard limits strings on crib and playpen toys to 12” in length. Moreover, the long, fiber-like hair on the “pup” is not adequately rooted and is easily removeable, presenting an aspiration hazard for small children.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  Young children are encouraged to “defend against enemy spies” with the “viper-blaster” for “split-second defense tactics” or as a “precision shooter!” The blaster shoots the supplied “darts” with enough force to potentially cause eye injuries.