When Your Child Needs A Procedure

Children have their own special medical needs and concerns. To help your child have a positive and comfortable experience, you may want to consider the following:

• Talk with your child in a straight-forward, relaxed manner. Don’t mention unpleasant experiences like needles or pain.
• Only the custodial parent or the guardian can sign the surgery consent for a child. If you are a guardian of a patient, bring copies of forms indicating guardianship or power of attorney.
• A parent or guardian of a patient under 18 must stay in the facility until the patient is discharged.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Watch your child carefully to ensure that they don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before their procedure.

• Breast milk may be given up until midnight
• Children, under the age of three, may have sugar water until 3 a.m.

Why can't my child (3 years or older) have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery?

Because anything in your stomach may cause serious, even life threatening complications when having anesthesia. If you have anything to eat or drink, your procedure may be re-scheduled.

How should I get my child ready?

Bathe your child the night before. The morning of the procedure, keep them away from all water and other liquids. Don’t even brush their teeth.
Dress your child in a 2 piece outfit, with shoes and socks.
Bring an extra diaper (if applicable) and a change of clothes.
Bring an empty bottle/sippy cup if your child uses one.
Bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy.
No second hand smoke for 24 hours before and after the procedure.

What if my child feels ill before their procedure?

Notify your doctor or dentist if they develop any of the following:

• Fever, sore throat, cough or congestion
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Chicken Pox exposure or illness within two weeks of surgery
• Any other problems that may interfere with your scheduled surgery