Sedation FAQs

The sedation doctor will determine, upon reviewing your child’s case, the best anesthetic and route of administration. Most of our patients are sedated with a medicine called Propofol, which is administered through an intravenous (IV) catheter.

If your child has increased anxiety, please inform our nurses upon arrival. Our child life specialists are there to meet your child and ensure a positive experience for your family. This experience can be anxiety-provoking for parents as well. Your anxiety is readily sensed by your child. Keeping calm and trusting our sedation staff will help your child decrease their negative emotions.

On a case-by-case basis, the sedation doctor will determine if your child can safely receive medication to lower their anxiety prior to IV catheter placement.

Patients who are scheduled to undergo sedation or anesthesia may not have any solid food for at least eight hours prior to the procedure. This includes formula and milk. They may have clear liquids (juice, Jell-O, clear chicken soup) up to two hours before the procedure. Infants who are exclusively on breast milk may be fed up to four hours prior to the procedure.

Patients who require a colonoscopy will need to follow their gastroenterologist’s recommendations in addition to those outlined here.

When your child wakes up from sedation, the nurse will determine if your child is ready to have liquid or solid food. If your child has a restrictive diet, please bring his/her formula or preferred snack with you.

Your child will be discharged when the nurse or doctor determines they are safe to go home. Premature babies less than 44 weeks post-conception may be admitted for observation overnight.

Up to two adults are allowed to be present during sedation and recovery. Siblings are not allowed for sedations or day surgeries. Please ask for our current visitor policy for any additional family members at the time of your child’s procedure.

If your child experiences fever and cold symptoms the day prior to his/her appointment, you will most likely need to reschedule the appointment. If you are unsure about the sedation course, please call our sedation line and the nurse will advise you.

If your child has one or more of the following: seizures, cardiac problems or hormonal deficiency, we advise that you administer their medication as scheduled, or as early as possible in the morning. If their medication is administered in applesauce or other solid foods, please call our sedation nurse, as we may advise you to hold the medication until the procedure is completed.