Fasting instructions

Fasting instructions for your child

It is important for your child to fast before their operation or procedure. Fasting (no intake of food or fluid) is very important before your child has a general anaesthetic or heavy sedative.

Fasting allows your child’s stomach to digest its contents and ensures their stomach is completely empty. If your child’s stomach isn’t empty, it may cause vomiting, which is very dangerous when under anaesthetic.

Clear fluids take less time to pass through the stomach than foods, so they may be given closer to the operation/procedure. Fluids will also keep your child’s body from becoming too dehydrated.

For the safety of your child, it is important that you follow the fasting instructions very closely. If you do not understand, or need more information, please speak to the doctor caring for your child.

Morning operation/procedure—admission time: 6.45 am

For babies under 12 months old

• Before 2 am on the day of operation/ procedure: on the day of operation/procedure: if your baby is awake, or if you wish to wake them, food, drink or formula may be given.
• Before 4 am: your baby may breastfeed.This will be your child's last breastfeed before procedure.
• At 6 am: give your baby a drink of clear fluids according to their weight (see overleaf for quantity and options). No milk.

Important

• No food after 2 am.
• No milk (including breast milk) after 4 am.
• Nothing is to be taken orally after 6 am.

For children over 12 months old

• Night before operation/procedure: your child may eat their usual evening meal and have a drink and/or snack at bedtime.
• Before 2 am: if your child is awake, or if you wish to wake them, food and drink may be given.
• At 6 am: give your child a drink of clear fluid according to their weight (see overleaf for quantity and options). No milk.

Important

• No food or milk after 2 am.
• Nothing is to be taken orally after 6 am.
• No mints or chewing gum.
• Always follow advice of anaesthetist - procedure may be later in the day which would alter fasting times.

Afternoon operation/procedure—admission time: 11.30 am

For babies under 12 months old

• Before 7.30 am on the day of operation/ procedure: on the day of operation/procedure: give your baby their normal breakfast.
• Before 9.30 am: your baby may breastfeed. This will be your child's last breastfeed before procedure. 
• Before 11.30 am: give your baby a drink of clear fluid according to their weight (see below for quantity and options). No milk.

Important

• No food after 7.30 am.
• No milk (including breast milk) after 9.30 am.
• Nothing is to be taken orally after 11.30 am.

Children over 12 months old

• Before 7.30 am on the day of operation/procedure: on the day of operation/ procedure: give your child a light breakfast (for example toast, cereal and a drink).
• At 9.30 am and again before 11.30 am: give your child a drink of clear fluid according to their weight (see overleaf for quantity and options).
• No milk.

Important

• No food or milk after 7.30 am.
• Nothing is to be taken orally after 11.30 am.
• No mints or chewing gum.
• Always follow advice of anaesthetist - procedure may be later in the day which would alter fasting times.

Clear fluids

The amount of fluid to be given to your child is calculated according to their weight in kilograms (kg) multiplied by ten millilitres (ml) of clear fluid.

For example:

If your child weighs 12 kg

12 kg x 6 ml = 72 ml

Therefore your child can have 72 ml of clear fluid to drink.

Examples of clear fluid drinks:

• water
• lemonade
• cordial
• apple juice.

These fluids should not contain any food fibre (pulp), fat or thickener.

Contact Mater Children’s Private Brisbane

Salmon Building

Raymond Terrace

South Brisbane QLD 4101

Telephone: 07 3163 8111

www.mater.org.au

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