There is conflicting evidence of reduced incidence of hunger, thirst or discomfort with more liberal fasting regimens. (2B)

There is conflicting evidence regarding gastric content volume if pre-operative clear fluid fasting is reduced to less than 2 h. (2B)

We recommend pre-operative fasting regimens with less than 2h of clear fluid fasting, as they provide reduced realworld fasting times. (1B)

For infants, breast milk feeding should be encouraged until 3h before anaesthesia induction. (1C)

Fortified breast milk does not delay gastric emptying in a clinically significant manner compared with breast milk and can therefore be encouraged for infants until 3h before anaesthesia induction. (1B)

10.For infants, formula (or nonhuman) milk may be encouraged until 4h before anaesthesia induction. (2B)

Solid food should be allowed until 6h before anaesthesia induction. (1C)

A light breakfast of solids or nonclear fluids may be allowed up to 4h prior to anaesthesia induction. (2C)

The presence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease per se does not necessitate fasting instructions different from those for healthy children. (2B)

Gastric emptying in preterm infants may be slightly prolonged compared with term infants, but the clinical significance of this is unclear within this guideline’s recommendations R8-S10. (2C)