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Preparing the Infant for Surgery

Preparing the Infant for Surgery

What part of surgery is most stressful for a baby?

Babies are too young to be helped by preoperative planning, education, and explanations. But recognizing what is stressful to babies can guide you in planning for your baby's surgery. Things that are stressful to babies in the hospital may include:

  • Separation from parents

  • Having many different caregivers

  • Seeing strange sights, sounds, and smells

  • New and different routines

  • Interrupted sleep

  • Day and night confusion

  • Pain or discomfort from procedures

How do I prepare my baby for surgery?

  • It's important to keep your baby's routine the same before the day of surgery.

  • Make sure you, your baby, and your family are well-rested.

  • Bring your baby's favorite security item and perhaps some soothing music to the hospital. This will help create a more familiar environment for your baby. You may make a tape of your voice reading or singing for the nursing staff to play when you are not there.

  • Let the nursing staff know what your baby's usual schedule is. This includes sleep patterns and feeding habits.

  • Make plans for at least one parent to be with your baby as much as possible so that your baby will have a familiar touch, voice, and smile.

  • Try to remain calm. This is the most important part about preparing your infant for surgery. Your baby will sense if you are frightened or stressed. Be well-informed about what to expect on the day of surgery and ask questions to ease any fears you might have. Relaxed, nonverbal communication, such as voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body language can give positive assurance to your baby.

  • Be patient with your baby. It's normal for them to cry and be fussy during this stressful time. Your baby may be very clingy and become hard to comfort and console. Give a lot of love, and let your baby know that you will be nearby.

  • Plan to distract, rock, walk, and comfort your baby during the brief period before surgery when your baby can't eat or drink.

  • Remember, too, to take care of yourself. Simplify your life during this time and don't be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. Remaining positive and calm can help reduce your baby's anxiety.

Reviewed Date: 08-01-2023

Preparing the Infant for Surgery
Children's Cardiac Surgery
Dr. James Gangemi
Dr. Philip Smith
Childrens Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Dr. James Bennett
Dr. J. Marc Cardelia
Dr. Christopher Jackson
Dr. Peter Moskal
Dr. Cara Novick
Dr. William Roache
Dr. Carl St. Remy
Neurosurgery
Dr. Adam Conley
Dr. Joseph Dilustro
Dr. Joseph Falcone
Plastic and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Dr. David Bitonti
Dr. Yifan Guo
Dr. George Hoerr
Dr. Jesus (Jegit) Inciong
Dr. Edward Santee
Pediatric Surgery
Dr. Katherine Davenport
Dr. Jamie Golden
Dr. Michael Goretsky
Dr. Sydney Johnson
Dr. Kendall Jones
Dr. M. Ann Kuhn
Dr. Franklin Margaron
Dr. Natalie O'Neill
Dr. Robert Obermeyer
Dr. Jeffrey Riblet
Children's Urology
Dr. Janelle Fox
Dr. Peter Stuhldreher
Dr. Sarah Williamson
Dr. Louis Wojcik
Health Tips
How to Bathe Your Baby
Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome
Taking Baby's Temperature
Tips to Lower a Toddler’s Choking Risk
Diseases & Conditions
Breast Milk Collection and Storage
Breast Milk Expression
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Baby
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Mother
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Inguinal Hernia in Children
Male Conditions
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) in Children
Preoperative Visit with Your Child's Surgeon
Preparing a Child for Surgery
Preparing Siblings for Surgery
Preparing the Preschooler for Surgery
Preparing the School-Aged Child for Surgery
Preparing the Teen for Surgery
Preparing the Toddler for Surgery
Surgery and the Breastfeeding Infant
Surgical Overview
The Day of Surgery
The Growing Child: 1 to 3 Months
The Growing Child: 10 to 12 Months
The Growing Child: 1-Year-Olds
The Growing Child: 4 to 6 Months
The Growing Child: 7 to 9 Months
The Hospital Surgical Setting
The Surgical Team for Children
Thrush (Oral Candida Infection) in Children
Types of Surgery for Children

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.