SPECIFIC PATIENT INFORMATION
Children and anaesthesia
Having an operation can be unfamiliar for both children and parents. The information below explains how you can help prepare your child for their anaesthetic and what to expect on the day.
Further information
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Fasting for children
Children have different fasting requirements from adults. The instructions depend on your child's age and whether they are having food, breast milk, formula or clear liquids.
Always follow the fasting instructions provided by your hospital or surgeon, as your child may need different instructions.
01
Food
Stop solid food at least 6 hours before the anaesthetic.
This includes meals and snacks. Children should not have a large or fatty meal before their fasting period begins.
02
Clear liquids
Children aged 16 years and under who weigh 65 kg or less can usually continue to have small amounts of clear liquids if they are thirsty.
Up to 3 mL/kg per hour may be given until 1 hour before the anaesthetic.
Clear liquids include water, pulp-free clear juice and clear cordial.
03
Breast milk
For babies under 12 months, breast milk can usually be given until 3 hours before the anaesthetic.
Breast milk is not considered a clear liquid.
04
Formula and other milk
For babies under 12 months, formula or other non-human milk can usually be given until 4 hours before the anaesthetic.
From 12 months of age, milk is treated like solid food for fasting purposes and should usually be stopped 6 hours before the anaesthetic.
Avoid fasting for longer than necessary
Please do not stop your child from eating or drinking earlier than instructed. Long periods without food or fluids can make children uncomfortable and are usually unnecessary.
If you are unsure what your child can have, or your child has eaten or drunk something outside their fasting instructions, contact your hospital or anaesthetist for advice. ANZCA specifically recommends avoiding prolonged fasting in children.
Preparing your child
Preparing your child in an age-appropriate way can make the experience less stressful. The information below provides general guidance about preparing for hospital, fasting and what happens around the time of the anaesthetic.
Children generally cope better when they know what to expect. Talk to your child about coming to hospital in a way that is appropriate for their age and level of understanding.
Try to be simple and reassuring without making promises about exactly what will happen. It can help to explain that they will meet the doctors and nurses looking after them and that you will be with them for as much of the process as possible.
Younger children may find it helpful to bring a favourite toy, comforter or other familiar item with them to hospital.
GLP-1 medications are used for diabetes and weight management and can slow the emptying of your stomach. This can affect how you need to prepare and fast before anaesthesia or sedation.
If you take a GLP-1 medication, please read the specific preparation and fasting instructions before your procedure.
Most heart and blood pressure medications can be taken as usual, but some may need to be changed or stopped before your procedure.
Continue taking your medications unless you have been given different instructions by your hospital, surgeon, anaesthetist or treating doctor.
If you are unsure about any of your medications, please check before the day of your procedure.
Most regular medications can be taken as usual, but there are some exceptions.
Make sure your pre-operative questionnaire includes an up-to-date list of all your medications, including the name, dose and how often you take them.
If you have been given specific instructions about your medications, follow those instructions.
Tell us about any vitamins, supplements, herbal products or other non-prescription medications you take.
Some of these can affect your anaesthetic or increase the risk of bleeding.
You may be asked to stop some before your procedure. If you are unsure whether something is important, include it on your medication list.