Child safety
Keep strings and long ties away from cots
Remove cords, ties, hanging decorations, and clothing straps that could reach the cot.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
Why it matters
A long cord can wrap around a baby’s neck during movement and quickly obstruct breathing.
Wrong action
Leaving mobiles, dummy straps, blind cords, or clothing ties within reach.
Correct action
Keep the cot area cord-free and secure unavoidable cords short and fully out of reach.
What to do
- Check every side of the cot for reachable cords.
- Remove hanging items, neck straps, and long ties.
- Repeat the reach check whenever the sleep area changes.
If something happens
Remove any continuing obstruction to the nose, mouth, or neck if safe and call 999 immediately. If the baby is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin age-appropriate CPR following the dispatcher; do not treat suffocation or a cord around the neck as food choking.
Sources and review
- Department of Health, Family Health Service — Family Health Service home-safety guidance
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09 - Hong Kong Fire Services Department — Post-dispatch Advice
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12 - NHS — How to resuscitate a child
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.