What should my child eat after frenuloplasty or pharyngoplasty?

After your child wakes up from the frenuloplasty (in which a surgeon makes a small cut to free up the tongue if it's attached too tightly to the bottom of the mouth) or pharyngoplasty (a procedure to repair a cleft palate), he can take clear liquids that are easily digested. Clear liquids include Pedialyte, water, apple juice, Gatorade, a Popsicle, and plain Jell-O. Most babies can take a bottle or resume breast-feeding. Your child should drink only clear liquids for the first 24 hours.

If he tolerates these liquids, you may start giving him solid foods, if instructed by your surgeon. Start with foods like cooked cereal, applesauce, and pasta. Avoid any sticky or thick foods that may stick to the stitches or be difficult to swallow. Avoid fatty or greasy foods such as hamburgers and pizza for a few days. Do not give your child hard or sharp foods such as crackers and chips for the next few weeks. Your surgeon may give different instructions. If so, follow your surgeon's instructions.