Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
All children need to eat a variety of foods to achieve a balanced diet that is essential for growth and good health. Some children who are not growing well or who have certain medical conditions may need extra calories and protein in their diet.
General advice
- Aim to give 3 meals and 2-3 small snacks daily. Spread the meals and snacks evenly throughout the day.
- Avoid foods labelled as ‘low fat’ or ‘diet’.
- Avoid offering drinks 1 hour before meals as they can reduce their appetite.
- Measure & record your child’s weight regularly: once every 2 month is usually recommended.
- Breastfed babies over 6 months should have an over-the-counter children’s multivitamin supplement each day which includes vitamin D.
Sugary foods
- such as biscuits, cakes, sweets & chocolate, ice cream should be limited to after meals rather than given as snacks. Choose no added sugar drinks such as milk or water and avoid fizzy drinks.
Sugar is harmful to your child’s teeth — aim to brush their teeth twice a day and visit the dentist regularly.
High Energy Snacks
Small energy dense snacks can be useful to boost nutritional intake but avoid within one hour of meals, as they may reduce your child’s appetite:
- Fruit e.g. banana, dried fruit (watch the size to avoid choking risk)
- Mashed avocado and mayonnaise, peanut butter or cream cheese spread on bread/toast or bagel/crumpets
- Cheese pieces
- Yoghurt as above – served plain or with fruit puree
|
The 5 Food Groups |
Do |
Best Choices |
Top Tips |
|
Milk, cheese, yogurt Give your child breast or formula milk until they are at least 1 year old |
Use full fat dairy products or alternatives. The fat content should be: at least 4g per 100g |
Cheddar / cream cheese Greek style yogurt, full fat yogurt or fromage frais or thick & creamy yogurts |
Add to sauces, omelettes, scrambled eggs, jacket potatoes, mashed potato, vegetables, baked beans etc. |
|
Fats & Oils Fats are the richest source of calories |
Avoid low fat spreads Use an oil high in mono-unsaturated fats |
Butter or margarine Olive, sunflower, rapeseed or corn oil Full fat mayonnaise Double or whipping creams |
Spread generously and add to potatoes/ vegetables Fry or roast foods with added fat Drizzle foods with oil before serving Use cream for puddings, drinks, sauces and soups |
|
Protein rich foods |
Aim for 2 portions daily |
Meat and meat alternatives (quorn, soya mince etc.) Eggs, pulses (lentils, beans) Salmon and mackerel Ground almonds, peanut butter |
Add fat/cook in fat to boost the calorie value. Avoid removing the fat from meat, and avoid ‘lean’ meats Choose oily fish instead of white fish, and fish tinned in oil rather than brine Add to cereals, yoghurts & desserts |
|
Starchy foods |
Include at least one portion at each meal |
Cereals, breads, potatoes, pasta, rice |
Add a generous serving of butter, cream, margarine or oil |
|
Fruit & vegetables These are low in calories but are an important source of vitamins and minerals |
Aim to give up to 5 small portions per day. One portion is about half an adult handful or a tablespoon |
Avocados Dried fruit Smoothies and fruit juices Vegetables |
Try mashed as a dip or in sandwiches Limit dried fruit /smoothies to one serving a day as they are high in sugar Serve with oil, butter, margarine, cream or cheese to boost the calories |
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
DT/105
Approval date:
1 June 2026
Review date:
1 June 2029
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.