Information for the public

Food and fasting

Food and fasting

Before they start sedation, your healthcare professional should check and make a note of the last time your child ate and drank something.

Your child should not eat for 6 hours before sedation, or drink clear fluids for 1 hour before. If they are breastfeeding they should not have any breast milk for 4 hours before sedation. This may not apply in an emergency or for some types of sedation.

Will I be able to stay with my child while they are sedated?

You should be offered the opportunity to stay with your child while they are sedated if it is appropriate. If you decide to be with them while they are sedated you will be given advice about what to do to help. After your child is sedated you may be asked to wait outside the treatment room while a procedure is performed.

Questions you might like to ask your healthcare team

  • How deeply sedated will my child be? And how does this differ from a general anaesthetic?

  • What happens if my child eats something a few hours before sedation?

  • How can I best support my child during sedation?

  • What happens if my child is very anxious about the procedure?

  • Will my child have any side effects from the sedation?

  • What happens if my child cannot tolerate a procedure under sedation?

  • What happens if I don't want my child to be sedated?

  • What should I do if my child becomes unwell after leaving hospital?

  • If the procedure is painful what pain relief will be given?

  • Information Standard