An MRI scan can be performed safely on a child of any age, from a newborn baby to a teenager. The machine is the same as for adults, but everything around the scan — preparation, support, positioning, sometimes sedation — is approached differently to keep your child calm, still, and safe.
Doctors request a paediatric MRI for many reasons: unexplained headaches, seizures, weakness, suspected infections, sports injuries, birth-related concerns, follow-up of known conditions, or planning for surgery.
Because MRI uses no radiation, it is the preferred scan for many situations in childhood — especially when more than one scan is likely over the years.
Why is an MRI different for a child than for an adult?
The main difference is that a child needs to lie completely still inside a loud, enclosed machine, sometimes for 30 to 60 minutes. For an older child or teenager, this is usually achievable with good preparation. For a younger child — especially under five years of age — staying still for that long is often not possible, and sedation or general anaesthesia may be needed.
Beyond that, the radiology team uses smaller coils to fit a child's body, takes scans more quickly when possible, and adjusts the experience to be as friendly and reassuring as possible.
When does my child need sedation or anaesthesia?
The decision depends on your child's age, temperament, the body part being scanned, and how long the scan will take. As a general guide:
- Babies under six months: often scanned while feeding and sleeping naturally (called a "feed-and-wrap" technique). No sedation needed.
- Toddlers and preschoolers (roughly 6 months to 5 years): usually need sedation or general anaesthesia, because lying still for that long is not realistic at this age.
- School-age children (around 6 to 10 years): often manage without sedation if well prepared, especially for shorter scans.
- Older children and teenagers: usually manage without sedation, just like adults.
If sedation or general anaesthesia is planned, a paediatric anaesthetist will speak with you before the scan, explain everything, and answer your questions. Your child will need to fast (no food or drink) for several hours beforehand — the team will tell you exactly how long.
How can I prepare my child for the scan?
Honest, age-appropriate preparation makes the biggest difference. Children handle the scan much better when they know what to expect.
A few days before:
- Explain in simple words: "You're going to a hospital where they take pictures of inside your body. The camera looks like a big tunnel. It makes loud knocking sounds, but it does not hurt."
- Watch a child-friendly MRI video on YouTube together so they can see and hear the machine in advance.
- Practice lying very still at home — turn it into a game. See how long they can stay frozen like a statue.
On the day:
- Dress your child in comfortable clothes without metal zippers or buttons.
- Bring a favourite small toy or comfort item (no electronics, no metal).
- Plan for a longer-than-usual appointment so you are not rushed.
If sedation is planned, follow the fasting instructions exactly — the procedure may have to be cancelled if your child has eaten too recently.
What should I bring to the appointment?
- Any previous scan reports or films relevant to the reason for the MRI.
- A list of current medications and any known allergies.
- Comfort items: a small soft toy, a familiar blanket, a pacifier or bottle for very young children.
- Snacks and drinks for after the scan (especially if sedation was used and your child will be hungry afterwards).
- A change of clothes if your child is very young.
Avoid bringing toys with electronic parts, magnets, or metal — they cannot enter the MRI room.
Will I be able to stay with my child?
For most children, yes — at least up to the point where the scan begins. In many centers, a parent can stay in the scan room throughout, after being screened for metal and implants just like the patient. You may sit beside the scanner and hold your child's leg or hand during the scan.
If your child needs general anaesthesia, you may not be in the room during the scan itself, but you will usually be allowed to be present as your child goes to sleep, and will be there when they wake up.
Each center has its own policy. Ask when you book the appointment so you know what to expect.
What does the scan feel like for my child?
The scan itself is painless. Your child will lie on a padded table that slides slowly into the tunnel-shaped scanner. A small device (a coil) will be placed near or over the area being scanned. Earplugs and child-sized headphones will be provided — most centers can play your child's favourite music or a cartoon to help them stay still.
The machine makes loud knocking and humming sounds, which can be unfamiliar but are not harmful. The radiographer will be able to see and speak to your child throughout, and the scan is paused between sequences so your child can move slightly and rest.
Will my child be given dye?
Only if it is genuinely needed. Many paediatric MRIs are done without any contrast dye. When contrast is required — usually to look for tumors, infection, or active inflammation — the same gadolinium dye used in adults is used in children, in a dose calculated for their weight.
A small cannula is placed in the back of the hand or in the arm before the scan. Some centers use numbing cream or spray beforehand to make the needle insertion more comfortable. If your child is having sedation or anaesthesia, the cannula goes in while they are already asleep.
Is MRI safe for children?
Yes. MRI uses no radiation, making it one of the safest imaging tests available — even when repeated over the years for conditions like epilepsy or cancer follow-up. Sedation and anaesthesia, when needed, are given by paediatric specialists with full monitoring equipment, and complications are rare.
The main safety concerns are about anything that goes into the scan room — metal objects, certain implants, devices — which is why the questionnaire before the scan is so detailed. Be honest and thorough; if you are unsure whether something on or in your child counts as metal, mention it.
How long does the scan take?
Most paediatric MRI scans take 20 to 60 minutes inside the scanner. If sedation or general anaesthesia is needed, the whole appointment may take half a day from arrival to discharge, because of preparation, recovery, and monitoring afterwards.
When will we get the results?
After the scan, a Radiologist — often one who specialises in paediatric imaging — will review the images and prepare a report. Results are usually ready within one to a few days. Your child's doctor will discuss the findings with you, explain what they mean, and outline the next steps.
What if my child is scared on the day?
It is completely normal for a child to be scared. The radiographer is trained to handle this — they will speak to your child in a gentle, age-appropriate way, show them the scanner, let them touch it, and often let them watch a cartoon or hold a soft toy during the scan.
If your child cannot manage even with reassurance and the scan is essential, the team may suggest sedation or general anaesthesia rather than forcing your child through a distressing experience. There is no shame in this — the goal is a successful scan and a child who remembers the day without fear.
Conclusion
A paediatric MRI is a safe, radiation-free, and highly detailed test that can answer questions no other scan can. With honest preparation, the right comfort items, and a supportive team, most children — even very young ones — get through it well. The information the scan provides helps doctors understand exactly what is happening, choose the right treatment, and avoid unnecessary further tests.