UH Rainbow Patients & Visitors
The day before surgery
When to stop eating and drinking
For your child’s safety, he/she must not eat or drink for a certain amount of time before surgery. If your child does not follow the guidelines listed in the chart below, the surgery may be delayed or canceled.
If your child is taking medicine, ask your doctor if it should be taken the day of surgery.
| 8 Hours Before Surgery | 6 Hours Before Surgery | 4 Hours Before Surgery | 3 Hours Before Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stop all solid foods, candy, gum and any liquids that you cannot see through OK to drink clear liquids (those you can see through) which include clear juice, broth, lemon-lime soda, Pedialyte®, ice and gelatin |
Stop all formula | Stop breast milk | Stop all clear liquids Do not allow the child to chew gum or suck on hard candy |
Bathing
Give your child a bath and wash his/her hair the day before surgery. Doing so helps prevent infections after surgery. If you were given any special bathing instructions from your surgeon, be sure to follow them.