Eating Before Surgery

This will vary by the age of your child, but in general, children cannot eat and drink after a certain time prior to their surgery. If you do not follow these fasting instructions and your child receives anesthesia, serious complications can occur, including death. It is extremely important that you follow the fasting schedule that has been discussed with you.

Your child’s safety is our primary concern!

When to stop foods and liquids prior to surgery
Child Age	Food	Formula	Water, Pedialyte, Apple Juice
0 — 6 months	Stop at midnight	Stop six hours prior to the surgery or procedure time	Stop four hours prior to surgery or procedure time
7 — 12 months	Stop at midnight	Stop eight hours prior to the surgery or procedure time	Stop four hours prior to surgery or procedure time
1 year and older	Stop at midnight	Not applicable	Stop four hours prior to surgery or procedure time