Sedation preparation

Having an empty stomach before sedation is very important to your child's safety. His appointment will be rescheduled if you have not followed the instructions below.

• Starting eight hours before your appointment time, do not give your child any solid foods.
• Starting six hours before your appointment time, do not give your child any milk, baby formula or other liquids that you cannot see through.
• You may give your child clear liquids (such as water, apple juice or Pedialyte) up to two hours before your appointment time.
• If your child is formula-fed or taking breastmilk, stop any breastfeeding and breastmilk four hours before the appointment time. If they are formula-fed, he may have formula until six hours before appointment time. Clear liquids, such as water, apple juice or pedialyte, is acceptable until two hours before arrival, then nothing by mouth. This is for your child's safety.
• If your child was born more than three weeks early AND is less than 5 months old, he will need to stay overnight at Children's Memorial Hospital. This is because babies born early are at a higher risk for breathing problems following sedation.
• Plan on being here for several hours on the day of the exam if your child is receiving sedation. On average, appointments with sedation last about four hours. This can be longer or shorter depending on the needs of your child. Most children getting sedation go home the same day.
• Dress your child in comfortable clothing. Avoid metal snaps and zippers because they can interfere with certain types of radiology studies. When necessary, we will put a hospital gown on your child after you arrive.
• Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment time for check-in on the first floor.
• You will be escorted to the sedation preparation area by a staff member where you will meet your child's sedation nurse and physician.
• If your child is ill the day of your appointment, your appointment may need to be rescheduled. If he has a cold, cough, fever, vomiting or diarrhea, it is safer to wait and give sedation after he is feeling better. If this situation occurs, please call us at 773.880.4451.
• If your child has special health needs, please let us know so that we can plan for your visit. If he is followed by a special doctor for the lungs, heart, kidneys, ear/nose/throat (ENT) or has any kind of diabetes, please contact us right away at 773.880.4451. We will make special arrangements for him.