Helpful Hints for the Day of Your Child's Surgery

• Dress your child in comfortable clothes that are easy to remove.
• Put a pillow and blanket in the car for the ride home.
• If your child wears contact lenses, bring the case and solution to store them in. The lenses must be removed before surgery.
• Remove all your child’s jewelry and leave it and other valuables at home.
• If your child uses a special bottle or cup bring it with you, EMPTY, and be sure to hide it where they will not see it before surgery.
• Suggested comfort items to bring to help your child relax:
  • pacifier
  • favorite stuffed animal
  • favorite blanket
  • favorite toy
• Suggested distraction items to bring to help your child cope:
  • hand-held video game
  • music and headphones
  • tablet
  • crayons, coloring books, puzzle books
  • playing cards
  • books, magazines

The day before your child's scheduled surgery, you will receive a phone call from a Pediatric Same-Day Surgery Nurse. Be sure to follow all instructions (eating/drinking, arrival times) carefully.

Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment for a personalized pre-surgery orientation session from the Family Teaching Program at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's hospital.