Eating and Drinking Before Surgery and Diagnostic Tests
Children Under 12 Months | Children Over 12 Months | What are Clear Liquids?
For your child's safety during surgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, his or her stomach must be empty before getting an anesthetic.
It is very important that you follow these eating and drinking instructions carefully. If you do not, your child's operation or diagnostic test may be cancelled or delayed.
For Children Less Than 12 Months Old
Six (6) hours before surgery:
- Stop solids and / or baby foods, cereal, formula
Four (4) hours before surgery:
- Stop breastfeeding
- Stop clear liquids
- Do not give anything more to drink
Back to Top
For Children 12 Months of Age or Older
Eight (8) hours before surgery:
- Stop solid foods, milk products, citrus juice, candy, gum
Four (4) hours before surgery:
- Stop clear liquids
- Do not give anything more to drink
- Supervise toothbrushing to be sure your child does not drink
Back to Top
What are Clear Liquids?
Clear liquids are fluids you can see through: water, sugar water, breast milk, Pedialyte", Gatorade", Kool-Aid", Jell-O", apple juice, pulp-free juices, soft drinks, Popsicles". Orange juice is not a clear liquid.
Back to Top
Surgery in the Afternoon
If your child is having surgery in the afternoon, your child may have a light breakfast up to eight hours before surgery. Stop all solid foods at eight hours before surgery. A light breakfast is cereal, toast and a clear liquid. Do not give meat or fried or fatty food for breakfast.
Back to Top
Oral Medications Prior to Surgery
- If your child takes medication routinely, give the usual morning dose with a few sips of clear liquid or water.
- Inhalers for asthma should be taken at the usual time.
- Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen), or products containing aspirin or ibuprofen, should not be taken for two weeks prior to surgery. If your child needs to take these medications on a regular basis, please consult with your surgeon before the operation. Acetaminophen products, such as Tylenol, may be taken up to the time of surgery.
If you have questions about eating and drinking before surgery, call your surgeon's office or Same Day Surgery at 513-636-4517 or the Outpatient Mason surgery nurses at 513-636-6804.
Back to Top
8/05; 6/07
