10 Kids’ Products from the Past That Would Be Banned Today
These old-school kids' products were once popular but would likely be banned today due to safety concerns.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Kids used to play with things that would never be sold today. Some of the toys had sharp edges, dangerous chemicals, or looked way too real. They might seem fun at first, but many led to accidents or sent the wrong message. This list looks back at the 10 products that crossed the line.
1. Science Kits That Included Uranium
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Yes, actual radioactive material was once marketed to kids under the name “Atomic Energy Lab.” It came with uranium samples and a cloud chamber, so kids could “observe particles.” Today, this would be shut down instantly for obvious health and safety reasons.
2. Jarts
Jasonbook99 on Wikimedia Commons
Lawn darts initially appeared to be harmless fun until they began sending kids to the ER. The sharp metal tips turned outdoor games into a real hazard. Eventually, they were pulled from shelves after serious injuries and even deaths.
3. Candy Cigarettes That Normalized Smoking
Craig Pennington on Wikimedia Commons
These chalky sticks were marketed as “cool” and even mimicked the packaging of real cigarette brands. While they seemed harmless at first, they sent the wrong message to kids about smoking. Most countries have since banned or heavily restricted them.
4. Easy-Bake Ovens That Caused Burns
Bradross63 on Wikimedia Commons
The original Easy-Bake Oven used a real incandescent bulb that got hot enough to bake and burn. Some models were recalled after children got fingers stuck inside and suffered serious injuries. Newer versions are much safer, but the original was definitely not kid-proof.
5. Clackers That Could Shatter Like Glass
Santishek on Wikimedia Commons
Clackers were two acrylic balls connected by a string that made a loud clacking sound when slammed together. The problem? They sometimes shattered mid-use, sending shards flying. This toy was eventually banned in several places due to injuries.
6. Playground Equipment on Concrete
David Lally on Wikimedia Commons
In the past, monkey bars and metal slides were often installed directly over asphalt. One slip could mean broken bones or worse. Modern playgrounds use padded materials for a reason; those hard landings were brutal.
7. Balloons Made of Toxic Latex
Piper from Colorado on Wikimedia Commons
Older balloons often contained harmful chemicals like nitrosamines, which are now considered carcinogenic. Kids blowing them up could inhale toxins without knowing it. Regulations eventually forced manufacturers to clean up their materials.
8. Mini Hammocks That Strangled Kids
nateClicks on Wikimedia Commons
These rope hammocks looked fun but lacked spreader bars, which led to entanglement and strangulation. Several children died before they were recalled. It was a tragic example of how design flaws can be fatal.
9. Toy Guns That Looked Too Real
Gpkp on Wikimedia Commons
Before regulations required bright orange tips, many toy guns were exact replicas of real firearms. This led to multiple dangerous misunderstandings with law enforcement. Today’s toy guns are deliberately designed to look unrealistic.
10. Asbestos in Crayons and Toys
Aram Dulyan (User:Aramgutang) on Wikimedia Commons
Believe it or not, asbestos was once found in crayon boxes and toy kits. Although small, the health risks were real, especially with prolonged exposure. Modern toy safety testing ensures nothing like that slips through again.