Pre-Op Diet Instructions for Infants & Children Requiring Anesthesia

Less than 5 months of age:may have formula or breast milk up to 6 hours before the scheduled time to report to the hospital

  • May have clear liquids (water, apple juice, Pedialyte, Kool-aid, etc.) up to 2 hours before reporting to the hospital.
  • During the last 2 hours before reporting, DO NOT give anything to eat or drink!!!

Children 5 months and older:

  • Do not give any food, milk products or orange juice after midnight.
  • May have clear liquids up to 2 hours before report time.

(Examples of clear liquids: Water, apple juice, Ginger Ale, Sprite, 7-up, Kool-aid, popsicles.)

Any procedures requiring sedation

(example: lasix renal scans)

0-5 months:   Hold milk and solids (including formula and breast milk) for 3 hours prior to arrival.  May have clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to arrival

6 months - 6 years:  Hold milk and solids (including formula and breast milk) for 4 hours prior to arrival.  May have clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to arrival.

6 years and older:  Hold milk and solids for 6 hour prior to arrival.  May have clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to arrival.