Nostalgia tends to make youth seem more fun than it was, but the toys and activities of Baby Boomers show that not everything was fun. Before there were strict safety rules and ways to keep kids from getting hurt, kids played with toys that would be dangerous today. From homemade weapons to dangerous but interesting chemicals, these toys remind us of a different time when curiosity was dangerous, and excitement sometimes meant scraped knees.
1. The High-Speed Slippery Slope
Before, kids had water slides that were made just for them; they often made do with steep hills. Often, these were made out of plastic sheets, blankets, or anything else with a smooth surface. Even though these do-it-yourself slides are fun, they could lead to high-speed falls and unexpected bumps that could cause people to fall and get hurt.
2. Sleds Made at Home
Many Baby Boomers made their own sleds because they couldn't buy them. They used things like metal sheets, wood, and even cardboard. Even though these homemade sleds were a lot of fun in the snow, they didn't have modern sleds' safety features or steadiness, so accidents could happen on the slopes.
3. Bubbles Made of Super-Elastic Plastic
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was a famous novelty toy where kids could squeeze a tube filled with a chemical compound to make small, colorful plastic bubbles. Even though it was fun, there were worries about the chemicals used and the risk of ingesting or being exposed to dangerous substances, which, by today's standards, would be considered risky.
4. Trampoline Without a Net
Kids have always enjoyed jumping on trampolines, but older ones didn't have the safety nets and padding that are popular today. Many Boomers jumped on trampolines without taking any safety measures, which put them at risk for falls and sprains. On these outdoor bouncers, people often got hurt.
5. Cars Made of Metal
Many Baby Boomers loved playing with metal toy cars. Most of the time, these small cars were made of heavy metals with sharp edges and small parts that could be swallowed. Even though they were treasured souvenirs, they were not made to keep kids safe.
6. Metal Top Turmoil
Metal spinning tops were a popular toy, but the fact that they were made of metal made them dangerous. If you spun these heavy tops really fast, they could pick up a lot of speed and become dangerous weapons. The strings that were used to turn them could sometimes get tangled, which could be hazardous, especially for younger children.
7. Lawn Jarts
Lawn Jarts, also called lawn darts, was a famous outdoor game in which players threw giant darts with points at a target on the ground. The goal was easy and fun, but the darts were sharp and heavy so that they could go through the ground. They could also cut through the skin and cause major injuries. Lawn Jarts were finally banned in many places because they caused so many accidents, some of which were fatal.
8. Sleds With Sharp Metal Runners
Sledding down hills of snow was a favorite winter activity. But in the past, some sleds had sharp metal blades, making them faster and more dangerous. If these metal runners hit or fell on someone, their sharp edges could cause serious damage. They didn't have any safety measures or rounded edges like sleds do today.
9. Fireworks
Fireworks have been used to mark special events for a long time but have also caused many accidents. In the past, there weren't as many rules about fireworks so that anyone could buy them. If you don't know what you're doing with fireworks, like if you light them wrong or stand too close, you could get burned, hurt, or even start a fire. Accidents caused by fireworks happen often.
10. Mercury Mania
Mercury was a very interesting element that could be found in many things around the house, like thermometers and model kits. Children were sometimes very interested in how the liquid metal worked. But mercury is very poisonous, and even small amounts of contact can harm your health. Mercury vapor could be released from broken thermometers or cracked model kits, putting people at risk of breathing it in or getting it on their skin.
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