Colonoscopy Bowel Prep — Under 15 kg [Under 33 lb]
This page describes a clear-liquids + saline-enema prep for infants and children under 15 kg. Use this protocol only when our office has specifically directed you to do so.
If a saline enema was not prescribed for home use, do not give one — the doctor will administer it just before the procedure.
✅ Medications and Supplies needed
- Pedialyte® or clear apple juice.
- Clear broth (chicken or vegetable).
- Popsicles or plain gelatin (no red or purple colors).
- Saline enema — only if prescribed, or if we have separately instructed you to give one.
- Protective ointment (A&D, Desitin®, or Vaseline®) for the diaper area.
Prepare a list of medications.
Stop iron, anti-diarrhea medicine 7 days before.
You can verify what medications need to be stopped at meds.giready.com.
📅 Day Before the Procedure
| AVOID | OK to drink |
|---|---|
| All solid foods | Formula or milk (until 12:00 PM) |
| Formula or milk after 12:00 PM | Breast milk (until 8:00 PM) |
| Breast milk after 8:00 PM | Pedialyte®; clear apple juice (no pulp); water |
| Anything red or purple (looks like blood) | Clear broth (chicken or vegetable, strained); popsicles or plain gelatin (no red/purple) |
If your doctor prescribed a saline enema for home use, give it in the evening. The dose is 5 mL per kg of body weight. If no stool comes out within 30 minutes, you may give a second enema. If you were not told to give one at home, the doctor will give it right before the procedure.
Apply protective ointment to the diaper area.
⏱ Fasting Rules — Day of Procedure
These times are counted backward from your child's scheduled procedure time:
| What | When to Stop |
|---|---|
| Formula or milk (1 year and older) | 12:00 PM the day before |
| Breast milk | 8:00 PM the day before |
| Clear liquids (Pedialyte, water, clear juice) | 3 hours before procedure time |
⚠️ When to Call the Doctor
- Your child won't drink, or has dehydration signs: no tears, dry mouth, or no wet diapers for 6+ hours.
- Vomiting that prevents your child from keeping liquids down.
- Fever, bloody stools, or severe belly pain.
- You are unsure whether the prep is working.
- You have questions about your child's medications.
Call (317) 338-9450 with any of the concerns above.
💡 Tips for Success
- Offer clear liquids frequently in small amounts — a syringe, sippy cup, or bottle may help.
- Popsicles and gelatin help keep your child hydrated. Avoid red and purple — they can look like blood.
- Expect frequent watery stools — this means the prep is working.
- Keep the diaper area well protected with ointment to prevent irritation.