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This list of top 10 unsafe toys on shelves is provided by Don Keenan, founder of Keenan’s Kids Foundation, who is a local child advocate and attorney.



Magnetix 75 Piece Assortment Collector’s Tin $19.99 by Mega Brands Ages 6+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for choking injuries. Magnets that are swallowed can connect in the intestines, resulting in tissue damage, infection, and death.

Rocket Pocket Miniature Electric Motorcycle $183.22 by Razor USA, LLC Ages 12+ years Purchased at Wal-Mart HAZARD: Potential for severe bodily injuries or death

Heelys $29.99 - $79.99 by Heeling Sports LTD Ages 5+ Purchased at Kids Foot Locker HAZARD: Potential for severe head injuries and injuries to others

Creepy Crawlers Bug Maker $19.99 by Flying Colors Ages 8+ years Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for electric shock and burn injuries.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Sensor Sword with Magic Ring $17.99 by Zizzle Ages 5+ Purchased at Target HAZARD: Potential for eye and other bodily injuries.

Disney Princess Small Dolls - Favorite Moments $19.99 by Toys R Us Ages 3+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for choking. Small Pieces.

Lil’ Snoopy $7.99 by Fisher Price Age 1+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potential for Strangulation

Elmo’s World: Talking Cell Phone $9.99 by Fisher-Price Ages 18+ months Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Potentially dangerous levels of noise.

Yo-Yo Squeeze Toy $1.29 by Ja-Ru, Inc. Ages 4+ Purchased at KB Toys HAZARD: Potential for strangulation injuries.

Hello Kitty Flavored Lip Balms and Nail Polishes $7.99 by Sanrio & Townley Cosmetics Age 5+ Purchased at Toys R Us HAZARD: Contains the potentially toxic chemical Phthalate. Children can ingest toxins put on lips and fingernails

Here are some quick facts about Flu Shots for kids:

1 - Kids between 6 months and 5 years old need a flu shot every year.

2- Parents, close contacts (anyone who lives with them) and out of home caregivers of children under age 5 should also have a flu shot. This is especially important for those who care for kids under 6 months old.

3 - Children six months to 9 years who are receiving the flu shot for the first time need to receive two doses. The first dose introduces the virus and the second dose provides immunity. The doses must be given one month apart. The vaccine becomes effective two weeks after the second dose is given.

Other Kids That Need Flu Shots:

Any child age 6 months to 18 years with chronic health problems, including:

-Asthma or other lung problems
-Weak immune systems
-Chronic kidney disease or problems
-Heart disease
-HIV/AIDS
-Diabetes
-Sickle cell anemia or other blood disorders
-Long-term aspirin therapy
-Any condition that makes breathing difficult

What else do you need to know?

1 - Kids age 2-5 years are more likely to be taken to the doctor or emergency room because of the flu.

2 - Kids are the biggest spreaders of the flu.

3 - Because they don’t typically practice good hand hygiene and are exposed to many other people, children share the flu germs very easily. Vaccination helps reduce the chances of a flu epidemic.
Just because it is getting late into the season, doesn’t mean it is too late to get a flu shot.

4 - The best way to protect children under 6 months old from the flu is for all members of the household and all caregivers to get a flu shot.
Don’t forget the unborn children! Pregnant women are considered high risk for complications from the flu and should have a flu shot if they will be pregnant during the flu season.

Courtesy of About.com