Age-Appropriate Information About Surgery

You can help your child have the best experience by preparing in advance for his or her procedure. This page lists age-specific tips for ways to reduce and possibly avoid causing anxiety for your child as you prepare for your visit.

Information by age group

For a list of recommended books about illness, medical visits, and other topics for each age range, see the Child Life Program's Websites and Books page.

Infants: 0 to 12 months

Image
Three infants playing

Common causes of stress for infants

  • Separation from parents
  • Unfamiliar caregivers
  • Strange sights, sounds, and smells
  • New and different routines
  • Interrupted sleep

How you can help

  • Make sure you and your baby are well-rested.
  • Attempt to remain calm; your baby can pick up on your stress.
  • During the period when your baby cannot eat, attempt to distract your child by rocking, walking, and comforting him or her.
  • Bring a favorite blanket or pacifier to the hospital. It may also be helpful to have a familiar bottle for use after surgery or procedures.

Supporting your child as anesthesia is being started (induction)

  • Read a favorite book.
  • Listen to music.
  • Sing or talk. Simply hearing a familiar voice can be comforting to infants.

We have toys, music, and boys available at the PainFree Program or you can bring items from home.

Additional items to consider bringing

  • A car seat or stroller. These are helpful when you are leaving the hospital.
  • Formula and bottle (if used), or a favorite sippy cup. Children can typically resume their regular diet after their procedure

Toddlers: 1 to 3 years

Image
Toddler in a hospital bed

When to prepare: Plan to begin preparing your toddler the day before his or her procedure. Preparation too far in advance may increase their anxiety.

Common causes of stress for toddlers

  • Being left alone
  • Loss of comforts
  • Stranger anxiety: contact with unfamiliar people
  • Medical equipment
  • Restricted movement

How you can help

  • Toddlers like to make choices, so offer some whenever possible. For example, have your toddler choose which toy to bring or which shirt to wear.
  • Explain who the staff are and what they will do before it happens.
  • Provide simple explanations and be careful of your wording. For example, say "The doctor is going to fix your leg." Do not say "The doctor is going to make a cut on your leg."
  • Read books with your child about going to the hospital.

Supporting your child as anesthesia is being started (induction)

  • Read a favorite book.
  • Sing, count, or tell a story.
  • Blow bubbles.
  • Watch a movie.
  • Listen to music.

We have toys, music, movies, and books available at the PainFree Program or you can bring items from home.

Additional items to consider bringing

  • Diapers or pull-ups
  • An extra set of clothing
  • A favorite sippy cup and snack for after the procedure
  • A stroller. This is helpful to have when leaving the hospital.

Preschoolers: 3 to 5 years

Image
Boy with mask

When to prepare: Plan to begin preparing your preschool-aged child three days before his or her procedure. Preparation too far in advance can increase their anxiety.

Common causes of stress for preschoolers

  • Being left alone
  • Fear of having a body part damaged
  • Fear of needles and shots
  • Fear of pain or the anticipation of pain
  • Interrupted routines

How you can help

  • Explain what the hospital will be like in honest and simple terms, and answer all questions. For example, if asked about pain, explain to your child: "Yes it will hurt, but not for long."
  • Explain to your child why he or she is having the scheduled procedure. Preschoolers often feel they have done something wrong and surgery is their punishment for being "bad."
  • Choices can increase your child's sense of control, so offer them when appropriate and possible.
  • Have your child tour the facility prior to the procedure. We offer a Sneak-a-Peek tour for surgery.
  • Read books with your child about going to the hospital.

Supporting your child as anesthesia is being started (induction)

  • Read a favorite book.
  • Sing, count, or tell a story.
  • Blow bubbles.
  • Watch a movie.
  • Listen to music.

We have toys, music, movies, and books available at the PainFree Program, or you can bring items from home.

Additional items to consider bringing

  • Pull-ups or extra underwear and clothes
  • A stroller. This is helpful to have when leaving the hospital.

School-aged: 5 to 12 years

Image
Boy playing with a Game Boy in a hospital bed

When to prepare: Plan to begin preparing your child one week before his or her procedure. Preparation too far in advance can increase their anxiety.

Common causes of stress for school-aged children

  • Loss of control
  • Fear of pain or the anticipation of pain
  • Fear of needles and shots
  • Fear of waking up during surgery

How you can help

  • Make sure your child knows why he or she is having surgery. School-aged children may feel they have done something wrong and surgery is their punishment for being "bad."
  • Explain the benefits of your child's surgery. For example, "After your arm has healed, you will be able to play baseball again."
  • Choices can increase your child's sense of control, so offer them when appropriate and possible.
  • Ask your child to explain back to you what is going to happen at the hospital. This can help you learn whether or not your child has a clear understanding of what to expect.
  • Have your child tour the facility prior to his or her surgery. We offer a Sneak-a-Peek tour for surgery.
  • Let your child know it is okay to be afraid and to cry.
  • Because school-aged children have a great deal of imagination, be sure to talk to them honestly. Encourage your child to ask questions and provide honest answers to eliminate misunderstanding.
  • Read books with your child about going to the hospital.

Supporting your child as anesthesia is being started (induction)

  • Read a book or tell a story.
  • Sing or listen to music.
  • Tell jokes
  • Use guided imagery or thinking of a “happy” or “vacation” place.
  • Watch movies or play video games.
  • Play I Spy games

We have toys, music, movies, and books available at the PainFree Program, or you can bring items from home.

Additional items to consider bringing

  • Change of clothing/underwear

Teenagers: 12 to 18 years

When to prepare: Teens often appreciate being treated as active participants in decision-making. You and your teen can begin learning and preparing as soon as the decision to have the procedure is made.

Common causes of stress for teenaged children

  • Loss of control
  • Change in appearance
  • Fear of surgery and its risks
  • Fear of pain
  • Fear of dying during surgery
  • Fear of the unknown
  • Concern with body image

How you can help

  • Respect your teen's need for privacy, and his or her concern about body image.
  • Talk openly and frequently about what is going to happen.
  • Teenagers are often uncomfortable admitting they do not understand. Parents and healthcare professionals may need to explain the procedure and treatment several different ways to help a teen fully understand and become more comfortable.
  • Encourage teens to bring a few comfort items from home, such as books, tablets, phone, games, music, soft blankets, slippers, or a favorite pillow.
  • Be truthful in answering questions. Teens can become angry if they feel they are being lied to.
  • Have your teen tour the facility prior to surgery. We offers a Sneak-a-Peek tour for surgery.
  • Have your teen read about going to the hospital or having surgery.

Supporting your teen as anesthesia is being started (induction)

  • Read a book.
  • Sing or listen to music.
  • Tell jokes.
  • Use guided imagery or thinking of a “happy” or “vacation” place.
  • Watch movies or play video games.
  • Play I Spy games.

Recommended reading resources for teens