Your child had a procedure today using general anesthesia (medicine that made them sleep). They may be sleepy or cranky, not want to eat much, have a sore throat (from the breathing tube used during anesthesia), feel sick to their stomach, or vomit (throw up) once or twice for the next 12–24 hours.

It’s important to pay extra attention to your child for the next 24 hours as they recover from the anesthesia.

On the car ride home:

• Use your child’s regular car seat as you normally would.
• It’s important that your child’s head doesn’t flop forward or to the side since this can make it hard for them to breathe. Use the head support that comes with the car seat if possible or you can roll up a thin blanket and put it on either side of your child’s head.
• Have an adult sit in the back seat with your child to watch them closely during the entire ride home. This is especially important for babies and young children. If your child’s head flops over, the adult should gently return it to an upright position. If the adult notices any gasping for breath or skin color changes in your child, you should pull over immediately, call 911, and if you know CPR, begin rescue breathing.

At Home:

• Check on your child frequently for the rest of the day. Make sure they are breathing normally and their color looks normal. If they are sleeping, you don’t need to wake them as part of your check unless your healthcare provider told you to.
• Your child should stay at home for the rest of the day/evening and avoid active play, running, jumping, climbing, or rough play. They can do quiet activities like look at books or play with toys on the floor.
• Let your child sleep as much as they need. It's normal for them to be extra sleepy today.
• Have your child avoid screens (TVs, tablets, phones) for at least 2–3 hours after getting home. Viewing these devices right away can make nausea or dizziness worse.
• Do not let your baby sleep in the car seat once you arrive home. Move them to a safe sleep space (crib or bassinet) as soon as you get home. Always place your baby on their back in a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress without any pillows, wedges, or positioners.
• As always, an adult should be nearby if you put your baby in a bouncer or swing. Avoid using front baby carriers or wraps for 24 hours since they may make it hard to see changes in your baby’s breathing.
• Be sure to support your baby’s head while holding and feeding them so it doesn’t flop forward or to the side.
• If your child is walking, remove obstacles, sharp objects, or anything your child could trip over. They may be a little clumsy for the rest of the day.
• Wait until tomorrow (or whenever your healthcare provider recommended) to give your child a bath.
• By tomorrow, your child can return to their normal activities unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Eating and drinking:

• Make sure your child is fully awake before offering food or drink.
• Start with small, frequent sips of clear liquids like water, apple juice, broth, or an oral electrolyte solution (Pedialyte® or Enfalyte® which are available at a drugstore or supermarket without a prescription). If your child takes breast milk, they can have that.
• If your child continues to do well for about an hour on clear liquids, you can give formula, baby food, or soft, bland foods like crackers, toast, applesauce, or bananas.
• If your child vomits once, don’t give anything to eat or drink for about an hour then start again with clear liquids. If they vomit more than once, call your healthcare provider.
• Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods for the rest of the day.
• Let your child eat and drink as much or as little as they want. Don't force it if they're not interested. If they are taking some liquids and peeing at least every 6–8 hours, they are getting enough.

Your child:

• Vomits more than once
• Has noisy breathing
• Won’t take any liquids for more than a few hours or has signs of dehydration (not enough water in the body) such as a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, less pee or darker pee than usual, little or no tears when crying, or unusual sleepiness
• Gets a fever
• Is still drowsy, unsteady, or not eating and drinking normally by the next day after the anesthesia

Your child:

• Has trouble breathing
• Is very sleepy and hard to wake up

You know your child best. If they have symptoms that worry you or seem very sick, call your healthcare provider or take your child to the ER.

How does anesthesia work? Anesthesia works by blocking pain messages from getting to the brain.

Will my child remember what happened while under anesthesia? No. Anesthesia helps kids forget what happened from the time the medicine is given until it wears off. Anesthesia does not affect memories made before surgery.

Is anesthesia safe? Anesthesia is usually very safe, and most kids have no problems with it. Some studies say that general anesthesia in children under 3 years old can lead to changes in brain development but research is ongoing.