Paediatric Anaesthesia
Information for
Videos, guides and resources to help children and parents feel informed, prepared and confident before surgery.
What is an anaesthetic?
A general anaesthetic is a mix of medicines used to make sure your child is asleep and comfortable during surgery. It is given by a specialist doctor called an Anaesthetist.
While your child is asleep, their Anaesthetist stays with them, keeping a close watch on their breathing, heart rate, safety and comfort.
How can I prepare my child?
You know your child best. Use calm, simple language that suits their age and personality to explain what will happen and help them feel prepared and calm.
Encourage them to ask questions, and ask your Anaesthetist anything you are unsure about. Consider bringing a favourite book or device to help them feel comfortable while they wait.
Information for Parents
This information is intended as a general guide only and should not replace information
supplied by your Anaesthetist or treating specialist. Every child and procedure is different. If you have any questions about your child’s treatment or anaesthetic, please speak with the Anaesthetist caring for them. Click here to find your Anaesthetist’s profile page.
Below are trusted paediatric anaesthesia resources from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA).
VIDEOS
Short videos to help children understand what happens
Many families like to watch them once on their own and then again with their child, pausing if questions come up. You can remind your child that the people in the video are just like them and that the doctors and nurses look after children every day.
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES
More information you may find helpful
The following resources have been produced by trusted children’s hospitals and anaesthesia organisations in Australia and overseas. They provide general information to help prepare your child for surgery. As every child, procedure and hospital is different, always follow the advice provided by your own Anaesthetist.
Every child and procedure is different. If you have any questions, please speak with your Anaesthetist.
🏥 Preparing for Surgery
Helpful information about preparing your child for surgery, reducing anxiety and understanding what to expect before coming to hospital.
- Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network – Surgery & Anaesthesia Handbook
https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/surgery-and-anaesthesia-handbook - Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – Preparing Your Child for Surgery & General Anaesthesia
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Preparing_your_child_for_surgery_general_anaesthesia/ - ANZCA – Anaesthesia for Children
https://www.anzca.edu.au/patient-information/about-anaesthesia/anaesthesia-and-children - Australian Society of Anaesthetists – Anaesthesia for Children
https://asa.org.au/patients/information-pamphlets/anaesthesia-for-children - Starship Children’s Hospital (New Zealand) – Preparing Your Child
https://www.starship.org.nz/preparing-your-child/ - Royal College of Anaesthetists (UK) – Information for Parents & Carers
https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patients/patient-information-resources/children-parents-carers/information-parents-carers
🛁 Before Coming to Hospital
Information about getting ready for surgery, including showering, hygiene, fasting and what to bring to hospital.
- Children’s Health Queensland – Having an Operation
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/going-to-hospital/having-an-operation - Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – Preparing Your Child for Hospital
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Preparing_your_child_for_hospital/
🩺 Surgery Day
Learn what happens on the day of surgery, from admission through to recovery.
- Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network – Surgery Day
https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/surgery-and-anaesthesia-handbook/surgery-day - Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – Operation & Recovery Room
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/RCH_operation_and_recovery_room/
❤️🩹 Recovery After Surgery
Information about recovery, eating and drinking, pain relief and going home after surgery.
- Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network – After Surgery
https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/surgery-and-anaesthesia-handbook/after-surgery - Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – Discharge Care after Day Surgery
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Day_surgery_General_surgery_discharge_care/ - Children’s Health Queensland – Wound Care after Surgery
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/health-a-to-z/wound-care-after-surgery
👨👩👧 Resources for Parents & Caregivers
Trusted resources to help parents and caregivers understand children’s anaesthesia and support their child before and after surgery.
- ANZCA – Anaesthesia for Children
https://www.anzca.edu.au/patient-information/about-anaesthesia/anaesthesia-and-children - Australian Society of Anaesthetists – Anaesthesia for Children
https://asa.org.au/patients/information-pamphlets/anaesthesia-for-children - EPIC Kids – Parents & Caregivers
https://epickids.org.au/parents-caregivers/ - Anaesthetic Group – To see our full resources on Patient Anaesthetic Information Sheets and Videos
https://anaestheticgroup.com.au/patients/patient-anaesthetic-information-sheets/
🧸 Resources for Children & Young People
Age appropriate information designed specifically for children and teenagers.
- Royal College of Anaesthetists (UK) – Children younger than 7 Years
https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patients/patient-information-resources/children-parents-carers/children-younger-7-years-old - Royal College of Anaesthetists (UK) – Children aged 8 to 11 Years
https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patients/patient-information-resources/children-parents-carers/children-8-11-years - Royal College of Anaesthetists (UK) – Young People aged 12+
https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patients/patient-information-resources/children-parents-carers/cyp-from-12 - Royal College of Anaesthetists (UK) – Child Friendly Infographics (PDF)
https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2025-11/Child-Infographics2022.pdf - Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – Comfort Kids Program
https://www.rch.org.au/comfortkids/for_kids/ - EPIC Kids – Children & Young Adults
https://epickids.org.au/children-young-adults/
⭐️ Information Only
This information is provided for general information only and may not reflect the processes or instructions used by your hospital or your doctors. It does not constitute health advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition.
Every child and procedure is different, so always follow the advice of your child’s Anaesthetist or treating specialist. If you have questions about your child’s treatment or anaesthetic, please speak with the Anaesthetist caring for them. Click here to fnd your Anaesthetist’s profile and contact form.
Looking for more anaesthetic information?
Explore our full collection of (adult) patient information sheets and videos, including general anaesthetic information and resources for specific procedures and conditions.