Children often go through a period of disorientation and restlessness which may be difficult to manage for a short time as they regain consciousness. This affects younger children more frequently and is quite normal, although rather distressing to parents or guardians. The reaction is more common after short procedures where there is minimal use of potent painkillers or other sedatives. The restlessness may be prevented or treated by the use of sedatives, either at the time or given as premedication. However, the effect of any of these drugs is to prolong recovery time significantly. If this type of distress has been a concern on previous occasions or with siblings, you should discuss the management with your child’s anaesthetist.

Children are frequently able to drink while still in the recovery room. Usually babies can be breast-fed, unless there is some particular reason to not do so.

In most modern surgical suites it is usual to allow parents to sit with their children as they awaken from anaesthesia. You may be encouraged to do so, once the nurse caring for your child is satisfied that all vital signs are stable and recovery is proceeding normally. You should ask your hospital or anaesthetist as to whether or not they allow this practice.

Some young children do not wake easily after an anaesthetic, especially if the anaesthetic coincides with the child’s normal sleep pattern. This is more likely if the recovery phase coincides with the child’s usual bedtime and if the child is normally a heavy sleeper. The situation may be quite disturbing to parents, but is quite normal. The use of painful stimulation to ‘wake the child up’ is discouraged.