Diet orders (1273)

Key points below

What to expect at Children’s Wisconsin Hospital in Milwaukee

What is a diet order?

A diet order is an instruction from the doctor to the hospital food service. The order tells what food and drinks are safe for your child while they are in the hospital. The diet order may change during your stay. Your child may not be able to order some foods or drinks that they were getting at home. This is because foods may be made differently in the hospital.

How do I order food for my child?

Children’s has room service for patients. Food can be ordered between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. by calling (414) 266-3663. Food will be delivered to your child’s room within 45 minutes. There is no charge for your child’s food.

If a diet order hasn’t been entered for your child, they will not be allowed to order food. If this happens, please tell your nurse so they can request that the doctor enter the diet order.

How do I know what I can order for my child?

Ask your nurse for the menu that best matches the diet that has been ordered for your child.

If an “Age Appropriate” or “General” diet was ordered, your child can choose most items from the menu.
Your child will be sent typical, age-appropriate portion sizes. Some children may need larger portions due to age or special medical concerns. Please ask to see a dietitian if you have a concern about the amount of food your child is receiving.
If your child is under 4 years of age, there are some foods they cannot order or that may need to be prepared in a special way due to choking risks.

Other special diets may have their own menu.

What if I can’t order a food item that my child wants?

It is very important that you do not give your child foods that are not in the diet order.

If a food is not allowed on your child’s diet, it is because we cannot guarantee that it is safe for your child.
In some cases you may be able to bring food from outside the hospital, but this is not allowed for all diets. Talk with your nurse to find out what is allowed for your diet order.

What if my child has a food allergy?

Tell your medical team exactly what foods your child is avoiding. An allergen-free menu will be sent up on your child’s first meal tray. Be sure to ask your nurse if you need help ordering food. Talk to your nurse or dietitian if you have questions about your child’s allergy list.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.