VISITING THE HOSPITAL
Food and nutrition services for patients

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The emphasis on food at Texas Children’s reflects the importance of nutrition to your child’s recovery. 

Meals
You will receive a menu daily to select your child’s meals for the next day. The menu is designed to provide a variety of foods to meet your child’s nutritional needs. Breakfast is served 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dinner is served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

On some days, treatments or tests may prevent your child from eating. When this occurs, your child’s nurse can obtain a meal tray once tests are completed.

Modified diets
The doctor may order a special diet for your child. If so, your child should eat only the foods listed on the menu unless a nurse or Texas Children’s dietitian has approved other food. Ask the nurse to contact a dietitian if you have any questions about your child’s diet.

Formula, breastfeeding and baby food
Formulas for infants are provided in ready-to-feed bottles or from the formula room if a specialized formula is ordered. Mothers of breastfeeding infants younger than 10 months can be provided meal trays free of charge.

A menu with second- and third-stage baby foods and soft table foods is provided for patients. 

Birthday cakes
Free birthday cakes are available for patients who must spend their special day at Texas Children’s. Please tell the nurse 24 hours in advance about your child’s upcoming birthday. The nurse will arrange for the cake to be sent to your child’s room.