A properly balanced nutritional diet will promote healing and continued growth after surgery. Oral hygiene is also important, so be sure to rinse your child’s mouth with water after meals.

On the day of surgery, your child may not be given any nutrients by mouth. During the first few days after surgery, the diet may consist of clear liquids including juices and broth, with later addition of milk. A full liquid diet, which is more nutritious, will begin when the physician decides your child is ready. Each child is different and will progress through the diets at a different rate.

Children may drink from a cup, taking very small sips. Frequent feedings (three meals and three snacks daily) will yield adequate calories and protein. By selecting foods from the groups listed below and modifying them so they pour easily from a cup, you can give your child a nutritionally adequate diet. Incorporate dairy products, soups and juices when blending food, and be sure to cook meats before liquefying. Carefully remove any fibrous substances, connective tissue or gristle from foods. Give your child a liquid vitamin supplement every day. Adolescents should be given an iron supplement as well.