Your Child’s Recovery after Anesthesia

What to expect as your child wakes up from anesthesia in the recovery area.

Written and Reviewed on February 23, 2026 by Eric Nix, DNP, CRNA, APRN, Kayleigh Lee, DNAP, CRNA, APRN, & Maddie Renouard, DNAP, CRNA, APRN Contributing Editor: Sabrina Schroeder, DNP, CRNA, APRN

Article Summary

This article outlines what you can expect from the moment your child wakes up from anesthesia to when they go home. Learn about what happens in the recovery area and how your healthcare team keeps your child safe as they wake up from anesthesia. Additionally, learn about what needs to happen for your child to safely return home.

Your child will be moved to a recovery area, often referred to as a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), where their heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing, and blood pressure will continue to be monitored and recorded by the recovery nurse.   
Your child will have an oxygen mask placed over their nose and mouth. 
Your child’s intravenous line (IV) will remain in place while in the recovery room. If they are in pain, the recovery nurse may administer medication through the IV. Both the nurse and the anesthesia professional, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), will work together to make sure their pain is addressed before your child leaves the recovery room.
Some children wake up immediately in the recovery room, while others may take additional time to fully wake up.
Once they are awake, the recovery  nurse may offer them something to drink.

The recovery nurse will assess the child’s pain and their recovery from anesthesia. Before your child is discharged from the recovery room, your anesthesia professional will assess your child to make sure it is safe for them to go home.
Some children may require additional recovery time. The recovery nurse will communicate with the anesthesia professional and surgical team to determine where your child will recover best. Any changes in their care will be promptly communicated to you.   
Before going home, you and your child will be given aftercare instructions, your child will change into comfortable clothing, and the nurse will remove your child’s IV. Removing the IV is typically not painful.
Children undergoing major surgeries, premature infants, or children with complex medical histories may require a hospital stay after their procedure.

The doctors, nurses, and anesthesia professionals will determine if your child is stable and safe enough to go home. Before leaving the hospital, you will receive aftercare instructions and follow-up information. Read more about Caring for a Loved One at Home after Surgery.

Common questions about your child waking up from anesthesia.

How will my child feel when they wake up from anesthesia?

Your child may feel sleepy, groggy, and confused when they wake up from anesthesia. Many children wake up irritated, upset, or acting different than normal after anesthesia. Some children may also cry, kick, and not make eye contact as they are waking up. These behaviors are common, usually temporary, and improve within a few minutes.

What happens if my child has nausea and vomiting after anesthesia?

Nausea and vomiting might occur after receiving anesthesia. Medications to treat nausea may be given through the IV.  It’s also important to slowly introduce food when your child is home, starting with small amounts of bland food (like toast, bananas, and apple sauce), to decrease the chance of nausea and vomiting. Learn more about Nausea and Vomiting after anesthesia.

When can I see my child after anesthesia?

You will be reunited with your child once the recovery nurse feels that they are continuing to recover from their procedure safely. Some facilities may allow you to be with your child once they arrive in the recovery area. You can ask your child’s healthcare team about when you will be able to see your child after anesthesia.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation for any specific anesthesia technique, drug, or treatment. Users should consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding anesthesia care. For complete terms, see our Terms of Use.