Sedation for children undergoing treatment

• Sedation is commonly given to children undergoing procedures.
• You need to give your consent before your child receives sedation.
• Make sure you understand the reasons for and the risks of sedation.
• Be as open and honest as you can with your child about what is going to happen.
• It helps your child if you do not show that you are upset too.
• No fluid or food is to be taken for 2 hours before the sedation medication is given.

Download a guide to sedation for children undergoing treatment

About sedation

• Sedation is a medication given to children to make them feel sleepy, relaxed.
• It also helps to not remember the procedure.
• Your treating doctor will decide which method of administration of sedation is most suitable.
• This may be orally (through the mouth), breathing in a gas or by injection.

Reasons for having sedation

Giving sedation to children undergoing procedures aims to:

• reduce pain and anxiety
• allow procedures to be performed while limiting distress for you and your child.

Permission to give sedation

• As the parent or caregiver you must give your consent (permission) for sedation.
• It is important you understand the reasons for sedation and the risks/complications that can occur.
• These risks will be discussed with you prior to obtaining your permission for the sedation to occur.

What to do on the day of the procedure

• Please follow all advice that is given to you by health care professionals.
• You must not give your child any fluids or food for two hours prior to receiving sedation. 
• You may have to wait for the medication to take effect before the procedure can begin.

Helping your child before the procedure

• Ask the doctor/nurse to explain the procedure to you and to your child.
• Talk to your child about some ways to cope.
• This could be an interesting book, using their imagination to be in a nice place, blowing bubbles, etc.
• Do not show that you are upset or nervous too as your child will notice this.

Helping your child during the procedure

• It is helpful to have you or another adult who knows your child to stay with them.
• How much you can engage with your child depends on how deeply sedated your child becomes.
• Your child may need reminders of the coping methods you decided upon earlier to distract them.
• Depending on their age, do not allow them to decide the exact moment of the procedure.

Helping your child after the procedure

• Remain with your child. They may not remember where they are or why they are in hospital.
• Focus on the good things your child did to distract themselves
• Do not take your child home until staff tells you it is safe to do so.
• Expect to wait for one to two hours or more after the procedure.

Care of your child on your way home and for the next 24 hours

Sometimes the delayed effects of the medication may make your child a bit confused, sleepy or clumsy for the next 24 hours. You need to be extra careful in caring for and supervising your child for the next 24 hours.

• If they fall asleep in the car seat, watch them to ensure that they do not have difficulty breathing.
• DO NOT leave your child alone in a car seat or alone in the car.
• Let your child sleep.
• Children may go to sleep again after getting home from the hospital.
• They also may sometimes sleep more because of the sedation medication.
• Sometimes children may feel sick or vomit if they eat a big meal too soon after sedation.
• Give your child clear liquids (diluted fruit juice, icy poles, jelly, clear soup) before giving solid food.
• Your child will be given clear liquids before going home.
• Supervise your child’s play and bath/shower for the next eight hours after returning home. 
• DO NOT let your child swim or use play equipment (bikes, monkey bars) for the next 24 hours.

Information for pregnant women

• If you are pregnant and staying with your child during their procedure:
• we recommend that you do not stay in the same room during the procedure when nitrous gas is used.
• Please bring a support person if this is the case.