Child safety
Never sleep with a baby on a sofa
If the caregiver feels sleepy, return the baby to a separate, flat, clear sleep space.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
Why it matters
A baby can be trapped by an adult, cushions, or sofa gaps, or fall to the floor.
Wrong action
Lying on a sofa with the baby and assuming a short nap is safe.
Correct action
At the first sign of sleepiness, place the baby on their back in a suitable cot.
What to do
- Prepare a clear cot before feeding or settling the baby.
- Return the baby safely as soon as you feel sleepy.
- Check that pillows, thick bedding, and soft items are absent.
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.