Eating & Drinking Restrictions Before Surgery

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On the day before surgery, make sure to follow any instructions from your child's doctor. It is critical that you follow the eating and drinking restrictions. These restrictions are for your child’s own safety and will ensure the child’s stomach is empty in preparation for anesthesia.

If your child eats or drinks too close to the time of the procedure, please tell us immediately so the team can make certain it is safe to proceed. It is possible we will need to reschedule the procedure if it is unsafe.

These guidelines were created by members of our Pediatric Perioperative Surgical Home. Follow the guidelines based on your child’s age. You can also download this chart as a PDF.

Children’s Eating and Drinking Restrictions Before Surgery

	Clear Liquids Includes liquids you can see clearly through, i.e. Pedialyte, water, Gatorade, apple juice, Jell-O or broth (does NOT include orange juice or colas)	Breastmilk and Formula Does NOT include breastmilk or formula mixed with a blenderized or pureed diet	Solid Foods Includes regular diet, gum, candy or mints
Infants: Less than 6 months	STOP 2 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled	STOP 4 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled	N/a
Toddlers: 6 months and older, but less than 3 years	STOP 2 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled	STOP 6 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled	STOP 8 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled
Children: 3 years and older, but less than 12 years	STOP 2 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled	N/a	STOP 8 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled
Adolescents & Adults: 12 years and older	STOP 2 hours prior to the time you are told to arrive	N/a	STOP 8 hours prior to the time surgery is scheduled

Medications Before Surgery

Additionally, please check with your child’s doctor regarding whether or not your child should take his/her usual medications. Please do not give your child Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen) within the three days before surgery.