Child safety
Supervise bottle-feeding throughout
Hold the baby and remain present throughout; never prop the bottle for unattended feeding.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
Why it matters
Uncontrolled milk flow or poor positioning can cause choking or breathing difficulty.
Wrong action
Propping the bottle with a pillow and leaving, or feeding the baby flat.
Correct action
Hold the baby safely, control the bottle angle, and watch swallowing and breathing.
What to do
- Wash hands and check milk temperature and teat flow.
- Keep the baby’s head raised and hold the bottle by hand.
- Stop feeding if the baby coughs, stops sucking, or breathes abnormally.
If something happens
If the child cannot cough effectively, speak, or breathe, call 999 and follow dispatcher guidance or trained age-appropriate choking first aid. If unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin age-appropriate CPR following the dispatcher. Do not give drinks or blindly put fingers into the mouth.
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.