Anaesthesia for children is planned around their age, size and health. Children often go to sleep breathing anaesthetic gas through a mask, have shorter fasting times than adults, and may have a parent with them until they are asleep. Our families guide explains how to prepare.
How children’s anaesthesia differs
- Going to sleep: many children go to sleep by breathing anaesthetic gas through a soft mask, with the drip placed once they are asleep. Older children may prefer a drip with numbing cream.
- Fasting: fasting times for clear fluids and milk are shorter than for adults.
- Doses and equipment: medicines and equipment are matched to the child’s weight and age.
- Parents: many hospitals let a parent stay until the child is asleep, and call them to recovery as the child wakes.
- Setting: babies, very young children and children with complex health needs are often cared for in a children’s hospital.
ANZCA’s guideline on anaesthesia care for children (PG29(A)) sets out the facilities, equipment and staff expected when children are anaesthetised.
For parents and carers
Read our information for families on preparing your child, fasting, the day itself and recovery at home.
Sources
- ANZCA. Anaesthesia and children. Accessed 2 Nov 2026.
- The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Preparing your child for surgery (general anaesthesia). Updated Jul 2025.
- healthdirect Australia. General anaesthetic (child). Last reviewed Jan 2026.
- ANZCA. Professional documents (including PS55 facilities, PG18 monitoring, PS19 monitored care, PS04(A) post-anaesthesia care, PG29(A) children). Accessed 2 Nov 2026.
- Written by
- Altitude Creative, health content team, on behalf of Dr Walid Aly
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In an emergency, call 000. This information is general and does not replace advice from your treating practitioner.