Toy watchdog warns against these 5 playthings

According to a children's toys watchdog, every three-minutes in the US, a child is treated in an emergency room for a toy-related injury. As a result, parents are being warned to be vigilant when selecting playthings for their little ones.

Non-profit organisation, World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H) was established in 1968 with the objective of educating "the public about life-threatening toys and other children's products." 

W.A.T.C.H. calendar events include the annual release of its nominations for 10 worst toys ahead of the holiday season.

Many toy manufacturers anticipate the list to see how they can improve the safety of their products, while most parents just want to know which toys to avoid.

When choosing nominees for dangerous toys, W.A.T.C.H. relies on statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC. 

According to CPSC, around 240,000 toy-related injuries were reported in the US in 2016. Between 2014 and 2016, 35 children died from injuries sustained while playing with toys.

These are just five of the toys that parents have been warned to avoid wrapping as gifts this Christmas.

Cabbage Patch Kids Dance Time Doll

W.A.T.C.H. found that these toys pose a choking hazard as children can ingest the doll's removable headband.

Marvel Black Panther slash claw

Considering the huge success of this super-hero film, it's not surprising that there is such a demand for Wakanda-inspired toys. 

However, you might want to give the slash claw a miss. The toy comes with a caution against swinging it at people or animals.

Cutting fruit

Children as young as two years old are targets for this product. It includes fruits and a "slicing knife". The knife is the obvious culprit as it can "potentially create blunt trauma injuries."

Stomp Rocket ultra rocket

This rocket-launch simulator toy is aimed at children six years and older. The warning label on the toy advises parents about possible "serious eye and face injuries."

Power Rangers super ninja steel superstar blade

W.A.T.C.H. takes issue with the spring-loaded plastic blade incorporated in this toy, saying it could be harmful if children hit, swing or poke other people with it.