Mini-Hammocks Proved To Be One Of The Most Deadly Toys
NeedPixMore than a dozen children died from asphyxiation before mini-hammocks were regulated.
In the 1980s, the mini-hammock for children was introduced, but tragically instead of providing kids a relaxing escape it proved to be an incredibly dangerous toy.
Made out of lightweight nylon mesh, mini-hammocks were designed as a humorous novelty. Sold for $3.99 apiece, this seemingly-cute children’s toy was produced just as much to give adults a chuckle as they were to satisfy their underage customers.
Tragically, the fun and games came to a horrific end when kids started dying.
Sold by EZ Sales and Consolidated Stores, among others, the hammocks measured seven feet wide by 20 feet long. Each end had a nylon rope attached in order to secure the hanging bed-like contraption. They were, after all, standard hammocks.
Or so it seemed.
NeedPixThe mini-hammock product came without spreader bars seen here, which would’ve saved lives.
Arguably the deadliest and certainly one of the most dangerous toys on this list, mini-hammocks were directly responsible for at least 17 children’s deaths. A Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report issued on Dec. 14, 1995, revealed that these minors were between the ages of five and 17 years old.
Without the spreader bars that allowed users to regulate the width of these sturdy nylon ropes, children became trapped between them. Children were asphyxiated by a four-dollar leisure product. One child is known to have survived but suffered permanent brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
In the end, the CPSC’s 1995 report was followed by a recall of three million mini-hammocks the next year. Just as the commission did with the lawn dart investigation, their concerned conclusion urged owners to destroy their product — before anyone else got hurt, or worse.
